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.

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.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Carriage House

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Carriage House of Berks County, PA project is the recipient of the  2019 Building Berks Nonprofit Project Award. 

The Carriage house was purchased by BBBS in 2001.  Funds were raised in 2017 with the goal to create a modern facility that is safe, comfortable, and inviting for socializing, training and interviews.

The Carriage House is a historic property.  One of the more challenging parts of the plan was to preserve the historic front façade of the building, which had four (4) original Carriage House overhead doors.  To accomplish this, one of the overhead door panels were cut and hinged, creating a functioning entryway from the street, and uniformity on the outside.  The remaining three original panel doors are solid and anchored, and the exterior has maintained its historic appeal.

An exterior brick retaining wall was removed on the side of the Carriage House, and pathways were paved so that water may run down the hillside to the street without getting trapped.  This solution avoided the added expense of floor drains.

Outside in the yard, a trench was dug to place a large PVC pipe between the main building and the Carriage House.  This pipe holds all the lines run for gas, water, and other utilities.

Inside was a blank slate.  The interior was completely rebuilt, including the floor which had been sloped from back to front.  To adjust this, a ramp was added inside where the door to the street is located.  The remainder of the interior floor was built up on a platform to create a level surface.  Steps were added to the side entrance, and the staircase to the second floor was rebuilt.

Working with code officials, it was determined that a single bathroom could be added to the floor plan because there are additional bathrooms in the main building.  This solution saved money for the client and allowed room for the new kitchenette.  The lower level accommodates new electric, plumbing, and alarm systems.  And a new closet was created on the second floor to house the HVAC unit.

The Carriage House now offers a warm, inviting interior with flexible seating arrangements for gatherings that range from socializing to interviews and formal training sessions.  Many thanks to our partners at Dolan Construction. 

Reading Eagle Article on the History and Adaptive Reuse of the Carriage House

Read More About This Project on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Website

Big Brothers Big Sisters Carriage House Doors Highlight

Knight's Pub at Stokesay Castle

Erected in 1931 by George Hiester as a honeymoon cottage for his bride, Stokesay Castle was originally designed by Fredrick A. Muhlenberg, the founder of Muhlenberg Greene Architects. The stone building, patterned after a 13th-century English castle, now includes two restaurants and several banquets, and meeting rooms of various sizes.

In order to add a casual dining atmosphere to augment the well-known fine dining available at historic Stokesay Castle, a 3,500-square-foot restaurant/bar addition was created.

The addition was constructed on the site of the original Knight’s Pub, which was an outdoor space only. The design of the addition incorporated traditional architectural styles into a contemporary design that seeks to complement the original structure.

This project allowed the Knight’s Pub to become fully enclosed, providing year-round service with seating for 150 patrons. The window systems slide away fully to maintain the open-air atmosphere of the former all-outdoor original pub.

The new addition of the Knight’s Pub at Stokesay Castle in Reading, Pennsylvania

Angelica Park Environmental Center

The Angelica Park Environmental Center is an extension of the wetlands restoration. A Preliminary Design and Study were generated for a 12,500-square-foot building with classrooms, a teaching lab, administrative offices, lecture space, an exhibit gallery, and upper-level observation. deck for indoor/outdoor gatherings for Phase 1 of this project.

Designed to achieve LEED certification, sustainable design features included a geothermal HVAC system, natural stormwater management via rain gardens, a pervious pavement access drive, photovoltaic panels to provide electric power, and a solar shade system.

A team consisting of representatives from the local colleges, the school district, the state park system, and the City of Reading was established to collaborate with Muhlenberg Greene Architects on the planning, programming, and design for a building that would embody environmental sustainability and energy efficiency while providing space for a broad range of activities. The first phase of the project modified the existing boat house structure.

Private Residence Pool Pavilion

Muhlenberg Greene Architects employed sustainable design techniques in their design of a structure to accommodate the installation of an “Endless Pool.” The project included a study of passive solar heating and cooling utilizing ‘Direct Gain’ system techniques of southern glazing exposures, masonry storage thermal walls, projected overhangs, and careful site placement among many shade trees.

The building materials were chosen based on client preferences for low maintenance and a warm-feeling environment. Materials included renewable strand lumber beams and columns, solid vinyl windows, fiber cement siding, soft textured tiles, and a drainable brick floor for the plant watering area.

Lenape Park Concession Building

Design Development and Construction Drawings for a new concession stand and storage building for a township park.

New electric service was provided to the new building which will also connect to other existing structures.  Water and sewer connections were made to an existing well and to the existing on-site sewage system.

The park serves a wide range of activities and sports for the Township’s recreation associations.  The new structure was designed to integrate into the existing layout of the park and to enhance the image of the park and surrounding structures.

Athletic Fields & Stadium Improvements for the Muhlenberg School District

Muhlenberg Greene Architects provided the planning, design, and construction administration services for the comprehensive upgrade to Muhlenberg School District’s athletic fields. Included in the project was the construction of a new, two-story Field House consisting of a lower level Maintenance facility with upper-level Toilet Rooms, Concession Stand, and Locker Rooms to access the football stadium.

The football stadium was redesigned with new grandstand bleacher seating for 3,200 people, including a new, elevated Press Box with film deck.

The improvements included the reconstruction of the Football Field and the installation of a new All-Weather Running Track. Additional field improvements included new Soccer and Softball Fields with a separate Concession Stand and Toilet Room facility. Other improvements included new field lighting at the stadium, baseball field and soccer field and the construction of a new Storage Building and new Ticket Booths.

Stadium Improvements at Conrad Weiser Area School District

Muhlenberg Greene Architects provided services for design and planning of upgrades to the District’s football stadium. Included in the project were new stadium bleachers for both the home and visitors’ seating with a capacity of 1800 people. The stadium improvements also included the construction of a new 8-lane, 400M, all-weather running track as well as a new event areas for high jump, long jump, and discus. The existing field house was expanded and renovated to provide new toilet facilities, improved concession area and additional storage.

YMCA of Adamstown Additions and Renovations

Planning and design services for an addition to the Adamstown YMCA’s existing facility. The addition and alterations included the construction of a gymnasium space and a new, accessible entrance to the facility, addressing the established and growing indoor recreational needs of the community.

Also included in the renovations were new locker spaces, a multi-purpose/game area, a fitness center/weight room, flexible program/meeting rooms, and improved on-site parking.