Cambridge, MA | Goody Clancy 

Laboratory renovations require precise work and close coordination with the end-user to ensure that the build-out supports the scientific efforts being conducted. MIT has hired Vantage Builders for a number of laboratory projects, most recently when the university welcomed Professor Fan Wang, a new faculty member in the McGovern Institute. To support Dr. Wang’s well-known work on sensory perception, pain, and behavior, MIT requested that the existing two-lab layout be revised to accommodate a single, larger lab. New air, vacuum, and CO2 gas piping lines were installed to support Dr. Wang’s team’s work, while existing HVAC and ducting were reconfigured. Safety measures include a new eye wash station and emergency showers. A key component of the project was to coordinate the schedule to allow Dr. Wang’s team to continue their critical work during construction, while also minimizing disruption to adjacent labs. New shelving and equipment were installed in a layout that helps maximize efficiency within the lab. 

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.

Lincoln, MA | 17,000 SF | Creager Hayes Architects 

The University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Institute (UMLRI) develops innovative solutions for a wide range of defense and commercial customers. Vantage Builders renovated UMLRI’s satellite campus in Lincoln, MA creating multiple private offices, conference rooms, and a training area. The space features a highly technical audio-visual package with fully integrated video platforms. The project included new duct work throughout, as well as a full data package to support the Institute’s heavy network requirements. Many materials used in the renovation required long lead times, so Vantage coordinated orders and deliveries and provided precise planning that maintained the renovation schedule. Vantage Builders worked closely with multiple departments throughout the University of Massachusetts, Lowell as well as the tenant in the adjacent occupied suite to minimize disruptions to all user groups. 

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.

Waltham, MA | 30,000 SF | Fusion Design Consultants, Inc. 

To create more space for its growing teams, Brandeis University enlisted Vantage Builders to create a new suite for its office for Institutional Advancement at 51 Sawyer Road near its main campus. The multi-floor renovation required close coordination and heavy logistical planning with not only the Brandeis team, but also the property manager at 51 Sawyer and the tenants occupying the adjacent space to ensure minimal disruptions. The Vantage team created a new layout with over 90 individual offices, several meeting rooms and breakout spaces with movable partitions. Vantage also updated the HVAC system from pneumatic controls to DDC controls requiring tight containment so that dust associated with the renovation did not affect the newly renovated, highly trafficked open air lobby adjacent to the suite. The space is highly functional and features a cohesive design flow to provide all user groups with the same experience when utilizing each area. 

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.

Durham, NH | 3,100 SF | Placework

Vantage has completed many projects in the Education market and in the Fitness/Recreation market. We were able to combine our experience in the two when the firm was hired by the University of New Hampshire to renovate the men’s football locker room. Key to the project – as is often the case in the Education market – was precise planning, as the building was occupied during construction, and the season was soon to start. We installed new, spacious changing areas, featuring plenty of room for each player’s gear, a locker for personal belongings and integrated USB charging ports. New carpeting throughout the locker room is mold and mildew resistant. The upgraded AC unit maintains a comfortable environment, particularly important after a tough practice. LED lighting, comfortable bench and chair seating, and a beverage station create a bright, relaxing atmosphere. The walls feature UNH blue and white paint, as well as team and player award plaques, helping to instill Wildcats pride.

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.

Warwick, RI | 11,000 SF | Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers

As part of The Learning Experience’s nationwide expansion, Vantage Builders completed its first center in Rhode Island, an 11,000-SF location in Warwick. The project began with a complete gut of the building, which was previously occupied by a security systems company. The Vantage team transformed the previously drab building into a vibrant, bright, welcoming location that will attract children and their parents. A highlight of the center is Make Believe Boulevard, a colorful miniature “Main Street, USA” that is designed to develop and expand socio-dramatic play among children. The center has eight separate classrooms for children of different ages, from infants to pre-school. Vantage created a staff room/lounge for caregivers, a large pantry and a laundry room, and completed building systems work such as new HVAC, fire sprinkler, plumbing and roof. Vantage built two playgrounds, featuring soft rubber surfacing for children’s safety, as well as a soccer field with artificial field turf. To be fair, the security systems company probably had some cool gadgets but 60 Jefferson Park Road is way more fun now.