Groom Construction Nearing Completion on a New Residential Facility for Foster Care Youth
Groom Construction Co., Inc. recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of groundbreaking construction for a new residential facility for foster care youth at Plummer Youth Promise in Salem, MA. This project represents a transformative step forward for the organization and the youth it serves.
The current residential facility on Winter Island, built in 1867, has continuously housed young people for over 150 years—a testament to Plummer’s tremendous legacy. However, the building has long shown its age, with challenges such as a temperamental heating system, cramped double-occupancy bedrooms, and outdated locker room-style bathrooms that offer little privacy for residents.
The new residential facility will provide dignified, trauma-informed living spaces for youth and families, aligning with Plummer’s standard of excellence in care. It will feature apartment-style kitchens and appliances, allowing youth to cook and do laundry in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Ample personal storage will ensure their belongings are safely secured. New single-occupancy restrooms and bedrooms will provide privacy for youth to study, connect with loved ones, and rest without disruptions.
Once the new residential building is completed, we will begin renovations on the historic structure. Preserving this building will honor its important legacy while adapting it to meet modern needs. Included in this space will be administrative offices and culturally welcoming indoor spaces that will support family visits and gatherings. A fully appointed family-visiting apartment will also be available, offering overnight accommodations and a space for families to cook meals together, fostering deeper connections and a sense of home.
The new facility will be heated and cooled via a solar-powered geothermal system. This feature will significantly decrease the operational costs of the facilities over time and reduce the carbon footprint. We’ve installed geothermal heating and cooling by drilling nearly 50 geothermal wells over 300 feet into the earth. This system captures the earth’s constant temperature to efficiently exchange warm and cool air.
Significant milestones have been reached in the project’s development. All exterior flatwork, hardscaping, and paving have been completed. Landscaping is now 90% complete. The building’s exterior is 100% finished, with a weather-tight façade featuring high-quality materials such as Hardi clapboard siding, Hardi trim, PVC water table, and red cedar shingles. Inside the building, we are currently in the finishing stages, with flooring installed in 75% of the facility and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing finishes well underway.
This milestone brings us closer to delivering a space designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and inspiring environment for foster care youth. Stay tuned for further updates as we finalize this transformative project!
