Magazine

FM College ~ News & Articles

Renovating School for Children with Disabilities

Jul 15, 2024 | Public | 0 comments

 Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center

The sustainable project features sensory and occupational therapy spaces. Images courtesy of Colantonio 

The sustainable project features sensory and occupational therapy spaces.

The recently renovated The 57,000-square-foot Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center in Quincy, Massachusetts, serves special needs children. Located adjacent to Central Middle School and a daycare center, the new educational facility is housed within a renovated and expanded 1920s building that formerly served as a furniture warehouse, an ice cream and candy factory, and a college.

The DeCristofaro Learning Center features art, music, sensory, physical, and occupational therapy spaces, a life skills room designed as a mini-apartment with washer/dryer, stove, microwave, and oven; a small three-lane indoor track for motor skills development, and two multipurpose rooms.

Designed by Wessling Architects and completed by Construction Manager Colantonio Inc., the scope of work included renovation of the existing 50,500-square-foot two-and-three story masonry building, construction of a 6,500-square-foot addition, mechanical and electrical upgrades, windows repairs, and replacements. A partial demolition of the existing building allowed for construction of two new elevators.

Sustainability was a key focus for the team, which also included PCA360 as project manager. The renovated facility now includes EV charging stations, LED light fixtures, high-efficiency gas boilers, water source heat pumps, fluid cooler, and waterside economizers on the fan coil units.

Exterior aesthetic 

The brick façade was repointed and reinstalled, while exterior murals byQuincyresidentBrandon Eames, feature whales, dolphins, turtles and other sea life that gives the building a distinct aesthetic. 

Soothing color palette 

The interior offers a soothing color palette and place-making graphics depicting different natural settings, including a water world, a rainforest, and representations of the four seasons. 

Special needs playground 

The renovation featured extensive sitework, including underground utilities and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations. The landscaping surrounding the school also included adding a playground specifically designed to accommodate needs of children with disabilities was also introduced.    

Compliant classrooms 

Each classroom houses an ADA-compliant bathroom, some with bidets. 

By FacilitiesNet Staff

The post "Renovating School for Children with Disabilities" appeared first on Building Operating & Management

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Window Washers Rescued Dangling from Buildings 78th Floor

The scaffold had broken free from the building and was hanging on by security lines when first responders arrived.   March...

Signs Your Facility Has Termites

Termites cause trouble for any facility. Look for these warning signs   March 6, 2025 From hairy rodents to creepy...

Lehigh Valley Health Network to Open Fourth Neighborhood Hospital in 2026

The project is a three-story, 90,000-square-foot building, with the hospital occupying the first floor and medical offices...

Mount Sinai South Nassau Opens Expanded Emergency Department

$50 million renovation designed to reduce wait times and improve patient experience; includes 54 private exam rooms. Mount...

Multi-purpose event space to upgrade Cowboys Park

Cowboys Park will soon begin its transformation into a multi-functional event and festival space in downtown Calgary. These...