GREENFIELD — The transformation of 270 Main St. is complete, as Ja’Duke Inc. is ready to open its downtown Greenfield location next week.

On March 24, Ja’Duke on Main will welcome the first children into its child care center and will gradually launch other offerings in the coming weeks, with the performing arts center kicking off on April 7 and driver’s education set to start in late April.

Kim Williams, an owner of Ja’Duke, said Monday’s opening is a major milestone for the Turners Falls-based business, as well as the region, with demand for child care so high at the moment and Ja’Duke’s programs providing another option for families.

“I think part of it is the demand for child care and how much that affects our economy and the growth of our economy and families,” Williams said. “I would say that’s the foundation of this expansion. There’s a need and we’re really good at what we do, and we care about children and care about our community. That leads you to be like, ‘How can we help further?’”

The opening also marks a makeover of the dormant 25,600-square-foot building, which boasts about 19,000 square feet of finished space, following Greenfield Community College’s 2022 decision to move its Downtown Center program back to its main campus at 1 College Drive. The building was then purchased in 2023 by Easthampton-based Viva Tubes founder Dave Mell, who sold the property to Ja’Duke in June 2024 for $655,000.

Greenfield Business Association Director Hannah Rechtschaffen said Ja’Duke is “an amazing boon to Main Street,” and credited Williams for her ability to see an opportunity and meet the need.

“I am so, so excited because it’s really going to help our families, help our business owners,” Rechtschaffen said, adding that new child care options at Ja’Duke and planned expansions at Franklin County’s YMCA will be great drivers in the community. “It just keeps enabling our community to grow when we offer those things. It’s wonderful.”

To celebrate the opening of its three performing arts studios on the top floor of the building, Ja’Duke is offering free April tuition for its 12-week performing arts program. Williams added that the Greenfield location’s performing arts programs are a perfect opportunity for any Greenfield families seeking to introduce their children to dance, as a new location means a new start.

“This would be a better opportunity to start,” Williams said. “The goal is to build a program here.”

On the education side, Williams said Ja’Duke is planning to build up its operations in Greenfield and is aiming to see two classes at each age level: infant, toddler and preschool. If the demand is there, Williams said the maximum capacity is five classes at each age level.

“It’s a slow growth,” Williams said, “which is nice.”

For a major project, Williams said the process has been “very smooth,” as Ja’Duke made its way through the city’s permitting process and has been working closely with the Greenfield Business Association and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

“My dream is that this is a catalyst to a vibrant downtown and exciting new things,” Williams said, adding that Ja’Duke is thrilled to be joining the Greenfield community. “I think that’s important to want to be a part of, too.”

While the opening is a success for Ja’Duke, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane said it is also a victory for Franklin County, as child care offerings can drive economic growth.

“Not only does this expansion bring additional foot traffic and vibrant performing arts education to Greenfield’s downtown, but the addition of high-quality, accessible and dependable child care will be a game-changer for working families,” Deane said. “Reliable child care is critical to economic development — it allows parents to stay in the workforce, supports local businesses and strengthens our entire region. JaDuke’s investment in Greenfield perfectly exemplifies how arts, education and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”

As Ja’Duke prepares to welcome children to its new digs, Williams said the opening is a testament to the leadership team around her.

“Our leadership team is so great and so good at their jobs, and I would say that bleeds all the way down to our instructors,” Williams said. “Our team of people are great people and exceptional at what they do, which I think is part of the success of all this.”

For more information about Ja’Duke’s Greenfield location, including schedules, registration and tuition fees, visit jadukecenter.com/greenfield. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday and a future open house is being planned.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.