Columbia Construction Company is celebrating the groundbreaking for Special Olympics Massachusetts’ (SOMA) new state-of-the-art headquarters, the Yawkey Sports Training Center. Centrally located in Marlborough, MA, the new 25,000 square foot training facility and athletic fields will be on a five-acre site. This new building will house executive offices, support facilities and 4,000 square feet of flexible classroom space that will provide a suitable venue for fundraising and banquet functions.
"It is truly a pleasure to work with such a great team of professionals who genuinely care about the project and the people it will serve," stated Bob Johnson, president & CEO of SOMA. "Thank you to Columbia Construction for all you are doing to help make our dream-building a reality."
The new "SOMA Central" will enable the organization to better serve the more than 10,000 athletes in more than 118 athletic competitions in 26 sports. It will also enable SOMA to consolidate disparate and expensive field operations, and provide top-notch and more frequent training for its growing base of volunteers, coaches and athletes.
"After several months of preconstruction, our team is excited about breaking ground and starting the construction for this significant project. SOMA’s mission is so incredibly important, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the team that helps them to continue their work in a brand new facility," stated Jim Kolb, principal and vice president at Columbia.
DAI’s design includes a processional walkway leading into the main entrance containing a "Hall of Fame," which will introduce visitors to the unique nature of this facility. As they enter the lobby, further images and interactive displays will reinforce the educational aspects of the organization. The team also includes B.R.T. Management and Consulting, owner’s representative; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, civil engineer; and Engineers Design Group, structural engineer.
