Kaplan Construction

Architect:

Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype

Client:

Greater Lowell YMCA

Scope Of Work

In 2020, Kaplan gutted approximately a third of the existing 45,000 SF building to update the YMCA for members, children, and staff and increase capacity by 50%. New floors, walls, windows, and lighting frame the modernized space, which features three state-of-the-art preschool classrooms with dedicated toilet rooms, serving 60 children ages 2.9 to 5 years. A second entrance with separate access controls was built, offering families and staff increased security. Kaplan also fit out a 26-station computer lab, active science room, and a common room with individual boys’ and girls’ bathrooms for school-age children. In addition, administrative areas received a facelift and the existing locker core was reconfigured to create four new locker rooms for boys, girls, families, and women. A new pool viewing room was constructed to facilitate swim meets and lessons.

A new 1,400 SF one-story addition was attached to the rear of the existing building to create supplementary classroom space. Known as the Community Annex, the addition was designed by Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype (BH+A) to distinguish itself from the existing 1974 YMCA building. While the existing building is capped with flat roofs and clad in a monochrome masonry exterior, the addition is clad in brightly-colored fiber cement panels and corrugated metal panels, reflecting the playful environment inside. Outside, Kaplan installed all new vinyl siding and created a 2,000 SF playground adjacent to the addition, featuring an asphalt track, play structure, and a cantilevered shade canopy.