Jul 30, 2014 -- BOSTON –  Kaplan Construction, a general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs to commercial, healthcare, multi-family, worship, institutional, and historic rehabilitation/adaptive reuse clients across Greater Boston, announced today that it recently completed work on four projects for Equity Residential, one of the largest multi-family apartment real estate investment trusts in the United States. The work included renovations to resident amenities, the fitness center and leasing offices, all located in downtown Boston.

 The building remained occupied throughout demolition, the fit-out of the new space, and during replacement of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.  Kaplan worked to isolate the construction zone by building temporary walls and using negative air machines with HEPA filters to contain airborne particles and prevent the migration of dust into occupied areas. Throughout all phases of the work, noise levels were closely monitored by Kaplan to avoid disrupting residents.

The four projects completed by Kaplan include: 

The Towers at Longfellow (The West End Apartments)

Resident Amenity Renovations
Kaplan completed the construction of a series of new common area amenities for the residents of The Towers at Longfellow Place. An existing office area on the ground level was demolished, and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were installed in the 6,500 SF space.

New amenities include a multi-purpose/screening room, an indoor play space for children, a game room, and a warming kitchen for communal gatherings. The common areas also feature a community room and conference rooms.

Fitness Center Renovations
Kaplan renovated and expanded the existing 2,250 SF fitness center into a 3,500 SF facility at The Towers at Longfellow, a high-rise luxury apartment building on Staniford Street near Government Center. The fitness center features weight rooms, a yoga space, spin bikes, and other multi-purpose rooms, including an area for children. New locker rooms and bathrooms were also constructed by Kaplan. 

ProPark Offices
The Towers at Longfellow also renovated the parking offices for ProPark Boston, a parking management company. ProPark recently relocated its Longfellow office to make room for the new common area amenities, taking an adjacent space renovated by Kaplan.  With phased construction and well-coordinated moves, Kaplan ensured ProPark’s security, payment, and card access systems were not impacted as the systems were relocated. 

The West End Apartments 
Asteria Leasing Office 
Kaplan built a new leasing office for the Asteria, Vesta and Villa buildings of Equity Residential’s West End Apartments.  An existing amenity space was demolished and a complete renovation was performed by Kaplan. High-end finishes and new lighting were installed throughout the new leasing office.  New HVAC systems were also added.

Kaplan worked closely with several key project team members, including:

• Elkus Manfredi Architects (all four projects)
• R.W. Sullivan Engineering, M/E/P Consultant (all projects except The West End Apartments, Asteria Leasing House)
• Cosentini Associates, M/E/P Engineering (The West End Apartments, Asteria Leasing Office)
• McNamara/Salvia Inc., Structural Engineering (The Towers at Longfellow, Fitness Center and Tenant Amenities)
• Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting (all projects except the ProPark Offices)

About Kaplan Construction
Kaplan Construction is a general contractor and construction management company that provides comprehensive building programs including preconstruction planning, construction management, design-build services, and general construction for commercial, healthcare, multi-family, worship, and institutional clients. Serving Greater Boston since 1976, Kaplan is dedicated to building trusted, long-lasting relationships with its staff and clients based on professional teamwork, personal service, and quality craftsmanship. The company’s proactive approach features lean building techniques and integrated project delivery (IPD) that often realize substantial cost savings and earlier completion dates for its clients, while its dedication to safety far surpasses industry standards. Kaplan has earned its reputation for excellent customer service and superb workmanship, and the company’s highly successful projects have garnered a long list of industry awards and repeat clients. For more information, please visit www.kaplanconstructs.com.

Photo caption: Kaplan completed the construction of a series of new common area amenities for the residents of The Towers at Longfellow Place, including this warming kitchen for communal gatherings. (Photo credit: Kaplan Construction)