There is a different level of responsibility that comes with building a space designed for childcare. From start to finish, every decision must be made with safety at the forefront. For this facility, where quality and trust are central to daily operations, selecting the right builder for their new 13,000 SF Early Education and Preschool Center in the heart of Boston was no exception.
Wise has been part of this space’s lifecycle since repositioning it as shell space over the last few years. That familiarity with the building and its systems played a key role in completing the fit out on schedule in just 28 weeks. The finished renovation includes 14 classrooms, 10 bathrooms, teacher work areas, administrative offices, and an indoor playground.
Behind the high-end finishes, casework, and prefinished wood trimming, doors, gates, and panels, the scope was driven by a heavy MEP package. Nearly every room required multiple wet connections (bathrooms, sinks, etc.), which demanded extensive coordination to ensure proper installation. Slab-on-grade modifications and a new sewer ejector pump system were installed to support the volume of connections, all while maintaining alignment with the building’s existing systems.
Above the ceiling, limited deck height and existing conditions required a thoughtful approach early on in the process. During preconstruction, the team reworked the mechanical strategy, shifting to a VRF heating and cooling system to reduce ductwork and better utilize the available space. This decision streamlined installation and helped avoid common coordination challenges later in the field.
“Preconstruction played a key role in identifying challenges early and setting a clear path forward for all trades,” said Nick Cuzzupe, General Superintendent. “By addressing coordination upfront, the team avoided conflicts during installation and created a more foreseeable process in the field. The HVAC approach was redesigned during preconstruction rather than during construction, which removed many potential roadblocks. Because of our pre-planning process, this project ended up being one of the smoothest MEP installations I’ve been a part of to date.”
At the same time, Wise was managing structural upgrades and exterior improvements within the building, requiring close coordination across multiple teams and scopes. Balancing three active project schedules meant carefully sequencing work, maintaining access, and ensuring alignment between trades at every stage. Detailed look-ahead schedules and weekly foreman meetings kept the team aligned on expectations and workflow, allowing the project to move forward without disruption.
Just as important was the relationship with the daycare staff throughout the project. “The daycare team was great to work with,” said Cuzzupe. “They understood that we had their best interest in mind with every decision, and that level of trust made it easier to make time-sensitive decisions and keep the project moving.”
That partnership carried through every phase, from early planning conversations to final walkthroughs. There was a shared understanding that the space needed to be ready not just to open on time, but to operate long-term. Clear communication and mutual trust allowed the team to stay aligned and maintain momentum through closeout and into occupancy.
With a firm opening date, the schedule remained a constant focus. The team reached substantial completion ahead of turnover, allowing time to address final details and ensure the space was ready for opening.
Project Collaborators:
Ashley McGraw Architects
R.W. Sullivan Engineering
McNamara Salvia Structural Engineers
Code Red Consultants
Project Team:
Nick Cuzzupe
Jess Ronayne
Kyle Webb
Neil Slyva
Sean Lazzaro
Ryan Annaccone
Photography:
Richard Gayle Photography
