BOSTON – February 6, 2026 – Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, announced today that it has completed the fit-out of a new dance studio for Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) in Roxbury, Mass. The 3,000 SF space is located on the ground floor of 2147 Washington Street, a six-story mixed-use development constructed by Kaplan in 2025. Supported by the Barr Foundation, the City of Boston, the Cultural Facilities Fund of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, DREAM Collaborative, the Klarman Family Foundation, New Atlantic Development, the Shlomo Fund, the Yawkey Foundation, and numerous others, the JAE Dance Center establishes a permanent home for the Haitian folkloric and contemporary-infused dance organization as it expands its operations and presence in Boston.
The new studio features a large open dance area with acoustical wall and ceiling panels, a theatrical ceiling grid for future lighting and AV equipment, a sprung dance floor, mirror wall, and a black box theatrical curtain system with a 40-foot projection surface. The sprung flooring system utilizes a Harlequin product with shock-dampening, single-density elastomer pads, supporting dancer health and performance. Additional spaces include an entry vestibule, an office for JAE staff, storage, and a four-stall bathroom with a shower stall.
Because the studio is located beneath residential units, acoustical separation from the base building was a critical construction consideration. The ceiling assembly received particular focus and was designed to achieve a high STC rating, limiting sound transmission from classes and rehearsals. Kaplan coordinated closely with the design team throughout construction, conducting multiple in-progress reviews to ensure penetration details were executed correctly.
Located in the heart of Nubian Square, the JAE Dance Center is envisioned as a cultural anchor for the Roxbury neighborhood, hosting dance classes, exhibitions, and art events for residents and the broader Boston community. The project was marked with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, January 27, featuring remarks from JAE leadership and City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, along with local and state cultural leaders. The celebration also included live drumming and performances by JAE artists and dancers.
The project team members for JAE Dance Studio include:
- Client/Owner: Jean Appolon Expressions
- Architect: DREAM Collaborative
- General Contractor: Kaplan Construction
- Structural Engineer: RSE Associates
- MEP/FP Engineer: Norian Siani Engineering
- Civil Engineer: Meridian Associates, Inc.
- Audiovisual & Acoustics Engineer: Cavanaugh Tocci