EMARC opens new center in Wakefield

EMARC, a nonprofit organization that works to support, serve, and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families, is opening a new facility at 30 and 60 Audubon Road in Wakefield. The new site, expected to open in early October, will consolidate EMARC’s main office in Wakefield and its Life Choices and Employment Services center in Reading.

The organization was incorporated in 1957 with the mission to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are valued, respected and empowered to engage as productive citizens in their communities. EMARC offers day services, adult residential services, employment training, and support programs to more than 1,000 local families annually.

The nonprofit’s new 28,550-square-foot location is operated by Cummings Properties.

“EMARC was in search of a larger facility where it could increase its programming,” said Cummings senior leasing director Rob Yacobian, who worked on the transaction with Mark Mulvey of Cushman & Wakefield. “We were able to provide the space for its residential and day programs, in addition to constructing new amenities.”

These amenities include a gym and fully functioning training kitchen, created by Cummings Properties’ in-house design and construction teams to support EMARC’s new programs and employment training opportunities.

“Everybody is very, very excited about the modern, updated space, especially the training kitchen and gym,” said Maureen O’Brien, EMARC director of community relations. “We love the functional design and the utilization of space.”

The larger classrooms and multiple common areas will enable EMARC to host more programs and trainings, according to O’Brien.

This lease is EMARC’s second with Cummings Properties. Its North Shore Life Choices & Employment Services center is located in Beverly.

Cummings Foundation awarded EMARC a $100,000 grant in 2013.

“It’s a privilege to have such a longstanding and multifaceted relationship with an organization as well-respected and impactful as EMARC,” said Yacobian.