Salem, MA – Groom Construction Co., Inc. has completed a new 18,049 SF residential facility at Plummer Youth Promise in Salem, Massachusetts – a transformative project designed to support youth in foster care and strengthen families.
The state-of-the-art building not only transforms the way Plummer serves youth in foster care but also sets a new standard in sustainability with its innovative geothermal energy system.
For more than 150 years, Plummer operated out of a historic 1870 building on Winter Island, which, despite its legacy, struggled with outdated infrastructure and limited privacy. The new facility prioritizes dignity, privacy, and healing, offering single-occupancy bedrooms, private bathrooms, apartment-style kitchens, and ample storage.
Sustainability was a key priority. The facility is now heated and cooled by a solar-powered geothermal system, installed by drilling nearly 50 geothermal wells over 300 feet into the ground. This renewable system captures the earth’s constant underground temperature to efficiently manage the building’s climate year-round, significantly lowering operational costs and reducing the carbon footprint. Lower utility expenses will enable Plummer to devote more of its resources to services.
The new building also includes thoughtfully designed family visiting spaces: comfortable rooms with furniture and televisions where youth can spend time reconnecting with loved ones in privacy. These spaces replace the former limited options, which included either a busy shared living room or a small office. Living and administrative areas have been thoughtfully separated to reinforce a true sense of home for residents, while quiet common areas and walking paths provide calming, restorative outdoor areas.
“The Groom Construction team has been a joy to work with and was a true and trusted partner throughout this project. Always, when any particular decision has been necessary, they asked how the decision might impact the youth we serve. They made our mission their own. And they delivered on time and on budget. We couldn’t be happier.” said Nicole McLaughlin, Plummer’s executive director.
“We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with Plummer Youth Promise, Michael Whitmore of Roundel 47, and OPM Jonathan Lavash on such a meaningful project,” said David Groom, Principal at Groom Construction. “We were honored to deliver a building that not only offers youth dignity, privacy, and a true sense of home, but also demonstrates leadership in renewable energy. We’re proud of what’s been accomplished and excited to continue the journey with Phase 2.”
The new facility is the first step in Plummer’s three-phase campus master plan. Phase 2 will focus on renovating the historic original building into an administrative hub and additional family-centered spaces.
