Reuse of existing buildings is a long-standing tradition in Massachusetts, where historic structures, some dating back over three hundred years, are often repurposed for modern use. Renovating older buildings to fulfill new functions presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges, both in terms of design and construction. A recent example of this is the renovation of a century-old building in Quincy, Massachusetts, which was transformed into a state-of-the-art children’s special education facility. This building, now known as the Dr. Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center, has a fascinating history, having previously been used as a furniture warehouse, a candy and ice cream factory, and a college building. The project highlights the potential of repurposing existing structures to meet the specific needs of today’s educational environments.
Massachusetts-based construction firm Colantonio, known for its extensive portfolio of K–12 educational facility projects, took on the renovation. Their deep experience with repurposing existing buildings made them well-suited for the task, but the DeCristofaro project was unique. It required extensive modifications to cater to the specialized needs of young students with autism and learning disabilities. The facility was designed with numerous features to support these students, ensuring that it would be an inclusive and accommodating space. “These included the implementation of handrails in all major hallways, bathrooms in every classroom, and spaces dedicated to motor skill development and life skills practice.” In addition to these essential modifications, sustainable products and energy-efficient systems were incorporated throughout the building, ensuring it would be environmentally responsible as well.
The full scope of the project included the renovation of an existing 50,500-square-foot, two-and-three-story masonry building. It also involved the construction of a 6,500-square-foot addition, as well as significant upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems. The project required extensive window repairs and replacements, and two new elevators were installed to improve accessibility for all users.
Demolition & Site Preparation
The construction process began with partial demolition to accommodate the installation of the new elevators. Given the building’s location next to a busy middle school and daycare center, careful planning was required to ensure that exterior work did not interfere with the daily routines of students, parents, and staff. The neighboring daycare and the new DeCristofaro Learning Center share a common entrance and parking lot, making coordination a top priority to avoid disruptions. The team ensured that deliveries were scheduled around drop-off and pick-up times, and exterior work was timed to minimize disruptions.
The project’s plumbing scope was notably extensive, given that each classroom has its own bathroom. The underground plumbing system required significant coordination, particularly with the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process to ensure that the project’s complex needs were met. Additionally, new underground utilities were installed both inside and outside the building. The need for an underground vapor mitigation system was identified during the demolition of the first floor, which required the removal of the building’s existing foundation slab to address contamination in the soil.
Exterior Work
The exterior of the building required considerable attention. The brick façade was repointed and repaired to address significant structural issues in the original hundred-year-old mass masonry construction. In addition, extensive sitework was completed to facilitate the installation of underground utilities. The work also included earthwork, general landscaping, and the installation of a new playground. This playground was specifically designed to meet the needs of the student population, providing a safe and stimulating outdoor environment for children with autism.
Murals by Quincy resident Brandon Eames were added to the exterior, enhancing the building’s appearance with vibrant depictions of sea life, including whales, dolphins, and turtles. Inside, the design team used a calming color palette and place-making graphics that reflect different natural settings such as a water world, a rainforest, and representations of the four seasons. These design elements were thoughtfully incorporated to create a soothing environment for students with autism, ensuring that their sensory needs were considered throughout the building’s design.
Interior Design
Inside the building, specialized spaces were created to support the learning and therapeutic needs of students with autism. These included rooms for art and music, as well as sensory, physical, and occupational therapy spaces. A life skills room was designed to resemble a mini-apartment, complete with a washer/dryer, stove, microwave, and oven, providing students with a hands-on environment to practice daily living skills. In addition, there is a small 3-lane indoor track for motor skills development and two multipurpose rooms that can be adapted to different uses. Each of the thirty classrooms also includes an ADA-compliant bathroom, some of which are equipped with bidets for added comfort and accessibility. Handrails were installed in all major hallways to assist the students as they navigate the building.
During the construction process, several changes were made to better accommodate the specific needs of the students. A key adjustment was made to the HVAC system. The original design placed Heat Pumps above the ceiling in each classroom, but it was determined that the noise from these units could disrupt the students’ learning environment. As a result, the Heat Pumps were relocated to spaces above the bathrooms and other communal areas to minimize noise in the classrooms. This adjustment required careful coordination among various stakeholders, including the HVAC subcontractor, engineers, the architect, and the City of Quincy, to ensure the best possible solution for the building’s users.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the renovation process. Colantonio focused on reusing as much of the existing structure as possible, and any materials that needed to be replaced or repaired—such as masonry, drywall, structural steel, and wood products—were sourced locally to minimize environmental impact. The building’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems were designed with energy efficiency in mind, including high-efficiency gas boilers, water source heat pumps, and LED lighting throughout the facility. Additionally, four electric vehicle charging stations were installed in the parking area to promote eco-friendly transportation options.
Outcome and Challenges
While the project faced some challenges, such as delays in material deliveries and issues with the original building’s construction, Colantonio’s team was able to adapt and resolve these problems without compromising the quality of the work. Coordination with subcontractors and stakeholders was essential to the success of the project, as was flexibility in adjusting to changing design requirements. The project was completed on time and met the high standards set by the City of Quincy.
The DeCristofaro Learning Center now stands as a testament to the potential of repurposing existing structures to create educational environments that are both functional and inclusive. The facility’s design not only meets the specialized needs of students with autism but also offers a welcoming and supportive environment where they can thrive. Through careful planning, thoughtful design, and collaboration, Colantonio was able to turn a century-old building into a modern learning center that will serve the community for years to come.
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