Education

Wilmington, MA | 5,000 SF | Dennis Colwell Architects

Juvo’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and future independence for individuals with autism and other behavioral health needs. Because of its unique focus, Juvo’s facilities must completely support and promote its mission, even more so than most companies. Working with Dennis Colwell Architects, the Vantage Builders team took this understanding to heart. The team completely transformed a former office location into a bright and comfortable environment centered around learning and development. The 5,000-SF space has offices, private and open learning areas, plentiful interior glass windows and significant custom, functioning millwork designed around Juvo’s needs. The project required special use permitting, and the Vantage team worked directly with the town’s planning board, a local lawyer and a former selectman to obtain the necessary approvals. The team closely coordinated with the New Jersey-based Juvo, its go-to furniture vendor, as well as multiple subcontractors to comply with building ownership’s guidelines, as well as the regulatory requirements.

Cambridge, MA | 4,000 SF | Linea 5 Architects

Massachusetts Institute of Technology hired Vantage Builders to work on two lab projects: the renovation of Galloway Lab and the build-out of Furst Lab, both in the Chemical Engineering Department. A critical concern during the project was that the labs are adjacent to occupied BL2 lab and office space, and Galloway Lab needed to be operational during construction. Vantage Builders coordinated closely with the university to ensure that any necessary shutdowns did not affect other user groups and the project team created an alternative egress to minimize disruption to end users. The 4,000-square-foot project included abatement and demolition work; new MEPs for CO2, nitrogen, and water; HVAC and electrical work; and installation of laboratory casework and bio-safety cabinets. Being involved early in the design phase allowed Vantage Builders to work with Linea 5 Architects to assist in drawing, constructability reviews and schedule development.

Boston, MA | 2,500 SF | EYP Architecture & Engineering

Vantage Builders has worked on a number of projects for Boston University. Recently, the firm upgraded a section of the university’s College of General Studies. The new design required significant prep and demo work, with the removal of all the ceilings, flooring, soffits and doors. The new floors and ceilings, along with ample lighting, provide a much more modern, bright atmosphere. In the lounge area, a beautiful Armstrong Woodworks ceiling helps create a welcoming and relaxing environment. New millwork stations for recycling and trash encourage students, faculty and visitors to support BU’s recycling program. Key to the project was strategic scheduling and planning to ensure that class schedules were not affected.

Newton, MA | 7,000 SF | MDS/Miller Dyer Spears

Vantage Builders renovated the new home of the Suzuki School of Newton, a non-profit instrumental music school. The new 7,000-square-foot learning facility is located on the historic Staples-Crafts-Wiswall farmstead property in Newton’s Waban Village. Critical to the success of the project was the Vantage team’s ability to work carefully throughout the project to maintain the building’s historic features, while creating a new, modern learning experience for the school’s bright students. The extensive renovations included significant systems work – high-end HVAC systems, new plumbing and a state-of-the-art fire suppression system. A daylight harvesting system ensures that the building is well lit, while also being energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The exterior work included complete earth removal to prepare the site, as well as work on the landscaping and parking areas.

Newton, MA | 13,000 SF | Silverman Trykowski Associates

The learn-to-swim franchise opened its doors, providing indoor swim classes and programs to children aged four months and up. The centerpiece of the school is the 30 x 70 gunite pool, with water constantly maintained at a kidfriendly 90 degrees. Parents can watch the small group lessons no more than four children per instructor in a comfortable viewing area that runs almost the whole length of the pool. The view is provided by an enormous, tempered glass panel that is a half inch thick, nine-feet high and 80-feet long. The build-out required significant mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. A powerful dehumidifying system from Seresco Technologies keeps the air dry and comfortable throughout the entire facility, despite the warm water temperature.