BOSTON – April 22, 2020 – Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, announced today that the company has been recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) with two national Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards for its work on renovating the Revolution Hotel in Boston and the restoration and renovation of the historic Congregation Kehillath Israel (KI) in Brookline, Mass. The EIC awards program is the industry’s leading competition that honors both general and specialty contractors for innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.
Excellence in Construction Eagle Award ~ The Revolution Hotel
Built within the existing walls of one of America’s first YWCAs, Kaplan renovated guest rooms, bathrooms, and common areas to convert a former hostel into an urban boutique hotel. Throughout the seven-story, 77,000 SF building, Kaplan upgraded many interior features of the existing building, including energy-efficient windows, amenity areas, and a lobby which showcases custom concrete flooring and a custom mural. Exterior work included a full roof replacement and improvements to the private courtyard. Kaplan also performed a full fit-out to accommodate a basement bar, lounge, and fitness room. The bar and lounge functions as the co-working space Conspire during the day.
“We are striving to provide affordable yet extremely attractive accommodations, and Kaplan worked closely with us to keep our project within budget. They delivered efficient service with enthusiasm,” said Bruce Percelay, Chairman of the Mount Vernon Company.
Project team members include:
- Construction Manager: Kaplan Construction
- Architect: PCA/Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, Inc.
- Owner’s Representative: WaypointKLA
- Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection Engineer: C3 Engineers
- Civil Engineer: H.W. Moore Associates
- Structural Engineer: Roome & Gurracino
- Mechanical Engineer: Breen & Sullivan Mechanical Services
Excellence in Construction Pyramid Award ~ Congregation Kehillath Israel
Congregation KI began as a small collective in 1911 and was granted a Charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1917. In celebration of its centennial year in 2017, the synagogue dedicated itself to creating a multi-generational, inclusive center for Jewish learning and worship. Over the course of 10 years, Kaplan provided pre-construction and construction management services for the extensive project, which included the reconstruction of two existing buildings, along with a 10,000 SF addition to the property. The synagogue now hosts a brand-new sanctuary, social hall, offices, pre-school, and a dedicated space for Congregation Mishkan Tefila, who has co-located with KI on their Brookline campus.
“Our goal was to responsibly refurbish our existing buildings, making them more flexible, accessible, sustainable, coherent and secure, as well as making space on our campus for collaborative partners,” said Marc Plonskier, chairman of the building committee for KI. “We knew by choosing Kaplan Construction it would help further our mission to create a model for 21st century urban Judaism that serves our congregants with a state-of-the-art facility that fosters a sense of spirituality.”
Project team members include:
- Owner: Congregation Kehillath Israel
- Construction Manager: Kaplan Construction
- Architect: Handlin, Garrahan & Associates
- Owner’s Representative: WaypointKLA
- MEP Engineer: Energy Economics, Inc.
- Waterproofing Engineer: Building Envelope Technologies (BET)
- Structural Engineer: Foley Buhl, & Roberts Associates
- Civil and Landscape Designer: Stantec
- Lighting Designer: Lam Partners
- Interior Designer: Leslie Saul & Associates
About the EIC Awards
The EIC award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect, and engineer. The winning projects, selected from entries across the nation, were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety, and cost. This year’s panel included representatives from Building Owners and Managers Association International, Smithsonian Facilities Construction Division, Construction Management Association of America, Engineering News-Record, Design-Build Institute of America, and various construction-related firms nationwide. PeopleReady Skilled Trades is the presenting sponsor of the Excellence in Construction® Awards. A full list of EIC winners is available on ABC’s website.