We've completed some substantial projects for Rosie's Place during our decade-plus relationship with the South End women's sanctuary, but we take a special pride in the small-job services we've been able to deliver for them--targeted improvements that still have a big impact.

Chapman is about to begin a new "small" project for Rosie's: renovating the kitchen used by their Overnight program, which provides emergency shelter for 20 women at a time and as many as 600 annually.

Originally conceived as a simple replacement of the existing kitchen, the project has evolved into a true upgrade that hits on all of the Overnight program's critical needs: utility, accessibility, durability, and affordability.

For increased accessibility, the Chapman and Rosie's team specified custom cabinets with lower counters, higher kick spaces, and handles that you don't have to grasp. The solid surface countertops are easy to clean and will withstand heavy use, as will the heavy-duty slides and hinges selected for the cabinets. The green glass tile chosen for the walls adds both style and sustainability, as does the cabinets' rapidly renewable Plyboo construction. Put it all together, and you have a space that is as welcoming as it is functional.

Chapman's team of Executive PM George Dyroff, Sustainability Coordinator Courtney Borelli, and Assistant PM Chris Draper collaborated closely with Rosie's Place Executive Director Sue Marsh and Overnight Director Debbie Conway to develop the plan, reviewing layouts and renderings that Borelli produced in Autodesk Revit. Construction begins in mid-April, with Chapman Supervisor Mick Wallace managing things on-site for the duration of the three week project.

While these kinds of small jobs don't get as much press as the larger ones, we derive real satisfaction from doing them well and delivering the same high level of service, whether it's a quick office reconfiguration for one of our corporate clients or a targeted upgrade for a great nonprofit like Rosie's Place.