Boston, MA – December 6, 2007 – Shawmut Design and Construction, an $800 million general contracting and construction management firm, recently completed a new addition and renovation at the Boston Children’s Museum located on the Fort Point Channel. The scope of the 19-month project, executed in collaboration with Cambridge Seven Associates and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., required that the famous Boston institution be able to accommodate its visitors, young and old alike, while undergoing a major overhaul to better serve and educate them in the future.
The project included renovations to a 150,000 square foot existing facility and the construction of a 23,000 square foot glass-enclosed atrium, incorporating sustainable design components in the renovation and construction. Recycled, local, and low VOC-emitting building materials were utilized; a storm water reclamation system and a green roof were put into place to reduce pollution; and the facility houses extensive state-of-the-art mechanical systems, such as boilers, water pumps, electrical systems, and a new air handling system, increasing the buildings’ efficiency. It is anticipated that the building will receive silver LEED® Certification and will be the first green museum in the city of Boston.
Multiple exhibit areas in the existing facility went through complete renovation, including a new state-of-the-art theatrical learning auditorium providing interactive learning experiences as well as a Science Playground, Art Studio, and Learning Classroom. The new atrium, connected to the existing building on two levels by bridges, houses a 3-story climbing structure, a gallery for revolving exhibits, ticket and information counters, and the entrance and lobby area. Two large hangar doors were also installed in the atrium facing the Fort Point Channel, which can be opened to the abutting courtyard including an outdoor café, kids’ maze, adventure zone, and an exhibit space, all with sweeping views of downtown Boston.
Shawmut Design and Construction was committed to the mission of the Museum as an educational resource for their constituents, including students, parents, and teachers. Working with Museum administrators, Shawmut allowed the Museum to remain open for all but three months of the project’s duration. As a result, strategic plans on minimizing disruptions to Museum operations, employees, and guests were implemented. Shawmut was able to provide a safe work environment for museum employees and visitors so that the space could remain operational during construction. They also collaborated on a Construction Fun Zone website where progress of the construction project could be followed and helped create a learning exhibit for the Museum about the construction with the installation of real time construction video cameras to allow patrons to see the progress firsthand. Even with the closure, Shawmut and the Museum were able to allow everyone to participate in the construction process in an educational manner, continuing to connect them to the Museum and all that it has to offer.
