Boston, MA
The first phase of a multi-phase master plan to expand the offerings of the BGCL. This phase is a complete renovation of the 1922 historic Knights of Columbus building facing North Common Street. BLOOM was charged with creating a new modern atmosphere within the historic shell, providing full accessibility.
The main floor houses a lobby, S.T.E.A.M. Center, Info Center, parent space, staff offices and a board room. Glass walls were used to create the maximum transparency between spaces for daylight, safety and monitoring of activities.
Below is the Teen Center, with a tech center, open lounge area with gaming, learning space, dance studio, fitness room, teen conference room, and flexible space to congregate, organize and socialize. The Teen Center is designed to feel like a college campus for the older kids to have as their own area, with flexible lounge furniture, reconfigurable rooms, and spaces to study and create projects. The school-age child care center occupies the top floor, with bright open spaces, a vibrant color scheme, and two large reconfigurable classrooms with a retractable wall. Adjacent, the large recreation space is fit out with beanbags, movable activity tables, art and computer areas, and a section of artificial turf for play.
The coming phases include a new 20,000 sq. ft. 3-story steel framed building connecting two historic buildings, and renovations to the 1945 Art Deco Gymnasium building. The combined 50,000 sq. ft. program will add a cafeteria, dance, music and drama areas, a game room, additional STEAM space, and second gymnasium will provide a separate recreation for different age groups.
Status: Built
Location: Lynn, MA, US
Firm Role: Architecture and Interiors
Additional Credits: General Contractor: DeIulis Brothers
Photography: Nat Rea Photography