Photo courtesy of Shawmut Design and Construction

What: The Clarion
Where: 305 Blue Hill Ave., Boston
Built: 2020
Owner: The Community Builders

Shawmut Design and Construction completed the fitout of the Future Chefs youth empowerment and culinary training program at The Clarion.

Designed by Kennard Architects, the 5,750-square-foot first-floor space includes a spatula-inspired and cantilevered reception desk, training kitchen, classrooms, kitchenette, conference room and locker area. The light-filled industrial space includes a glass storefront, tile walls, sealed concrete floors and glazed brick with exposed mechanical and plumbing units and acoustic ceiling panels.

Future Chefs uses a work-based learning model to provide teens with life skills and career training. Students first occupied the space in summer 2021 in a hybrid learning model.

Shawmut previously built Future Chefs’ previous headquarters at 560 Albany St. in 2012.

They Said It:

“Building on our relationship that began in the early days of our organization, Future Chefs and Shawmut Design and Construction imagined a space where we could push our mission forward and do our work in a high quality, beautiful space.”

— Toni Elka, executive director, Future Chefs