Graduate Center Renovations

Sometimes called the jewel of Kutztown University, the limestone Graduate Center is unmistakable on campus. Renovations and repairs to the exterior and interior were required to mitigate areas affected by water infiltration. Investigation of the building was performed using high-lift surveying, with a partial excavation to identify sub-grade infiltration, and the subsequent development of a two-phase plan, coordinated with University Facilities Management.

Turf Field and Lighting Upgrades for School Stadium

An old grass stadium field had historic drainage issues and heavy rain could turn it into bog. We performed selective demolition to remove the existing natural turf playing surface and install the sub-base and drainage for the installation of a new artificial turf playing surface. This process also included providing protection for the existing all weather track, excavation for new field drainage and storm water controls, stone base, concrete curbing, coordinating installation of shock pad and synthetic turf systems, and other associated work.

School District Multi-Building Roof Replacement

The Conrad Weiser Area School District needed to repair, and in some cases replace, the roofs of their Middle and High School buildings. Coordinated with the School District Administration to perform the work over the summer, we began the process with quality control testing for the product selected and selective demolition as required, providing temporary protection of roof areas being repaired or replaced to maintain the weather-proof condition of the existing building.

Experienced supervisors and installers, approved by the manufacturers installed the membrane roofing system and applied the coating system.  Rigid insulation panels including tapered insulation, metal copings, roof edge fascia, flashings, expansion joints, roof drains, scuppers and other accessories as required were also part of the scope of work.  Additionally, new metal gutters and snow guards were added to the High School’s existing metal roof system.

At the Middle School, 100 linear feet of seam irregularities and repairs were performed on the surface of the built-up roofing system.  An additional 300 square feet of damaged or wet roof insulation and repair, and the installation of 10 additional replacement roof drains were also part of the project.

Muhlenberg Green Architects’ Firm Principal and Project Architect James A. Sarro, AIA, wanted a cost-effective way to revitalize the finish of the existing metal roof at the High School. Created in the school’s custom blue color, Acrymax® Technologies Inc.'s coating system, based on Kynar Aquatec® PVDF, was selected to refresh the look of the building and provide the continued performance of the metal roofs for years to come.  

Working within the School District’s budget and guidance provided by the product manufacturer, the proper products were selected during the design process and installed in the field under Jim’s and Acrymax’s supervision, resulting in the successful completion of the project.

See Drone Video Footage

Acrymax ® Technologies Inc. Project Blog

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

All have been restored and recovered for another 15 years (warranted) - saving the school significant money. And they have the option to do a simple recoat in 15 years to extend the life of the roofs even further.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

All have been restored and recovered for another 15 years (warranted) - saving the school significant money. And they have the option to do a simple recoat in 15 years to extend the life of the roofs even further.

Photos courtesy of Acrymax Technologies Inc.

All have been restored and recovered for another 15 years (warranted) - saving the school significant money. And they have the option to do a simple recoat in 15 years to extend the life of the roofs even further.

Outdoor Classroom Spaces at Kutztown University

Kutztown University contracted our firm for assistance with the architectural and structural design services for a planned Outdoor Classroom.  We visited the campus to identify the elements to be located at the Classroom Site, and surveyed the elements for accurate dimensions and to determine structural foundation requirements.

Together with Structural Engineering Firm Providence Engineering, we provided a structural review and analysis of the foundation and conducted site visits during construction to review work and respond to contractor questions. We provided drawings for use by the contractor for the foundation work and a shop drawing review of reinforcing, as needed.

One of the main features of this setting is the use of new and existing materials.  Adaptive reuse of a granite slab in the University’s inventory was incorporated as a tabletop.  Principal Scott O. Graham, AIA designed a foundation and support for this impressive stone, creating a stately presence for meetings outdoors.

Conrad Weiser West Elementary Additions and Renovations

The newly expanded and renovated Conrad Weiser West Elementary School was completed in time for the 2012 school year, and thrilled students and staff alike. The original building was completely renovated, including an expanded Library and a new, full Gymnasium. The school serves grades Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, and the project achieved LEED Silver Green Building Certification. The additions and renovations were designed to address the need for additional classroom space, upgrade the 42-year-old infrastructure, address accessibility, security, and building code issues, and provide an improved environment that meets current standards for staff and students.

The design reused much of the existing building and recycled many of the materials that were removed during the project.  The high-performance school building uses energy-efficient technologies for the operation and control of the mechanical systems, daylight harvesting to maximize natural light in the occupied spaces, along with energy and water-conserving plumbing fixtures.

The existing building was an all-electric facility, constructed prior to the energy crisis of the early 1970s.  The new design utilizes natural gas service to reduce energy costs for heating, cooking, and hot water needs, and a new, state-of-the-art geothermal heat pump system for classroom heating and cooling.  Through the use of automated building controls, the mechanical and electrical systems reduce energy use and assist the District in reducing its carbon footprint.

The new building incorporates modern systems and controls that provide a healthier interior environment, designed to support and encourage the educational program.  Healthier environments are created by improved ventilation systems that effectively circulate and filter adequate air volumes through the spaces, combined with natural daylight to help stimulate the students and staff.  The materials selected have been chosen to prevent the circulation of harmful chemicals and dust.

Residence Hall & Bookstore Feasibility Study

A thorough analysis of options with a detailed design investigation and concept development was generated to address this project program. Following initial discussions with University Project Leadership, interviews were conducted with stakeholders from Residence Life, the Bookstore, Mail Services, Campus Safety, and University Engineers.

Development of a Feasibility Study for a proposed mixed-use building to replace the existing student bookstore with a new one, adding a cafe-style eatery, mail room, and a multi-story student housing unit. As part of a consultant team, we developed a feasibility study and thorough analysis of options through a detailed design investigation. Analysis of site constraints, campus integration, utilities, zoning, code compliance, construction considerations, hazardous materials investigation, cost, and the schedule was generated. We also provided photo-realistic artistic renderings and sketches using Building Integrated Management (BIM) modeling software.

Accessible Pathways at Kutztown University

Kutztown University is committed to equal access and to providing an environment in which individuals with disabilities can fully access programs, services, activities, and facilities. University shuttles are equipped to transport students with permanent or temporary disabilities between University facilities and the local area. Each bus is equipped with a motorized lift to allow wheelchair or motorized scooter access to the service.

Muhlenberg Greene Architects was commissioned to provide a way to make the campus more handicap accessible by reviewing all sidewalks, ramps, and curb ramps located on campus. Due to the large number of problematic areas proposed on campus, the workload went through several phases.

The first phase consisted of curb ramp modifications, existing handrail replacement, patches of roadway and parking lots being repaved, as well as several sections of sidewalks to be repaved to correct simple slope issues or ramps designated in certain locations to allow for accessibility. The second phase was to design new pathways using fewer ramps, but rather to use existing sidewalks or to design new ones to give the most direct route possible.

Alvernia University Schuylkill Center

Alvernia University traces its roots back to 1926, when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis established an orphanage in what’s now known as Francis Hall. The institution became a four-year liberal arts school in 1958 and two years later, received its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Located in Pottsville, PA, the Schuylkill Center has adult education and graduate degree programs, offering flexible scheduling with day, evening and weekend classes. Muhlenberg Greene Architects provided the planning and design services for the satellite campus, located in a former strip-mall retail space. The Project consisted of the design for the tenant fit-out of an, approximately, 10,000 sq.ft. lease area to create new classrooms, a commons area, and administrative offices. The new campus building provides much needed space for the University’s adult education programs.

Kutztown University Old Main A-Wing Elevator Addition

Built in 1864-65, Old Main is the oldest and most historic building on campus. In our early years at the close of the nineteenth century, Old Main was the sole University building, providing classroom, administrative, and living space.

Today, Old Main is a modern and vibrant educational haven, housing the university's Computer Science and Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Counseling and Student Affairs, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work and Sport Management, and Leadership Studies departments. You will also find the offices of Grants and Sponsored Projects, Housing, Dining and Residential Services, Public Safety, Social Equity, and Student Support Services, as well as the Women's Center and the LGBTQ.

Muhlenberg Greene Architects was commissioned to design an elevator addition to the historically significant Old Main building for Kutztown University. The elevator was planned to provide accessible entry to the ‘A’ wing of the building, which was being converted from dormitory rooms to faculty offices. The new addition permits access to the offices and maintains the secure separation of the wing from the dormitory rooms remaining in the center portion of the building. The exterior design was detailed to complement the historic character and quality of Old Main. Interior finishes for the lobby at the main floor landing were designed to match the existing wood trims and moldings of the original building. Access from the elevator lobbies to the existing building was developed through the existing window opening of the original building. The addition includes a slate roof, exterior cornice moldings and trims, and brick detailing to integrate with the original structure.

Kutztown University Deatrick Hall Renovations

Deatrick Hall is named in memory of William Wilberforce Deatrick (1853-1925), who spent the majority of his years at Kutztown as the chair of the English department. Many of Deatrick's photographs of campus tell the story of the institution from the early 1900s. In addition to faculty meeting spaces and SMART conference rooms, a satellite office for the Center for Achievement and Success (CASA) is available for residents to use. Residents living in this hall will also enjoy laundry facilities on each floor, as well as computers available in lounges.

Muhlenberg Greene Architects was commissioned to renovate Kutztown University’s  Deatrick Hall Dormitory. The alterations included mechanical and electrical upgrades to the building, interior alterations to provide a new lobby layout, renovations to the laundry room, improvements to the dorm rooms, major renovation of the resident director’s quarters, and upgrades to finishes, doors, and hardware throughout the building.

Exterior improvements included the replacement of all entrances, installation of new windows around the building, stair tower window walls, partial roof replacement, and a new ramp at front entrance to provide accessibility for the building.

Rohrbach Library at Kutztown University

Kutztown University’s Rohrbach Library provides a dynamic, intellectual environment dedicated to providing library and information services to meet the information needs of the university's community, both local and distant. The library aspires to be a vital campus partner providing innovative solutions in the pursuit of greater knowledge, through teaching, research, and learning by providing resources, services, and technologies in a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and creativity.

Muhlenberg Greene Architects was commissioned to renovate Kutztown University’s Rohrbach Library. The renovation involved brick restoration and repairs to a masonry wall to correct thru-wall flashing problems and correct water infiltration issues. Cleaning and re-pointing of the exterior gave the building a new, clean image. Interior repairs to the damaged finishes completed the renovation.

Muhlenberg Elementary Center Addition and Renovation

Muhlenberg Greene Architects provided the planning and design services for the Muhlenberg School District’s Elementary Center building. The facility was developed as a centralized replacement for the undersized and outdated Primary and Intermediate School facilities that were located on the District Campus. The design of the new facility, planned to accommodate 1350 students in grades K-5, evolved as an Addition and Renovation to the existing Primary School Building.

The new Elementary Center, which incorporates the two-story classroom wing of the existing Primary School, was designed around a central courtyard that established a strong interior focal point for the students; and allowed the addition to be constructed while the existing facility remained in service. The angular geometry of the resulting central core provided a natural visual break that greatly reduced the perceived size of the building, resulting in a smaller scale presence on the site.