About Us

Established in 1911 by David S. Warfel and his business partner Harry W. Peters, Warfel has set the standard for excellence in the construction industry for over a century. David's decision to bring his expertise back to Lancaster County at the age of 28 fulfilled the community's growing need for general contracting services. From the humble beginnings of constructing a small church in downtown Lancaster, the legacy of Warfel was born, setting the standard for quality craftsmanship and enduring relationships in the region.

Warfel began building Lancaster County with projects such as:

• 1921: The original Manheim Township High School
• 1922: Lititz Springs National Bank
• 1923: An addition to the former St. Joseph Hospital
• 1925: Lancaster School District Reynolds Middle School
• 1927: Lancaster Newspaper Building
• 1929: F&M College Fackenthal Library
• 1929: Lancaster Train Station

In the face of economic turmoil during the 1930s, D.S. Warfel and his team confronted challenges head-on. Despite the hardships of the Depression era, they persevered by undertaking any available work to support their employees and keep the company afloat. A significant milestone for Warfel came in 1933 when they successfully secured the project to construct the new Lancaster City Water filtration plant.

During World War II, commercial construction was nearly nonexistent due to the shortage of building materials. However, D.S. Warfel adapted by shifting focus to the residential market. Over the course of the 1940s, they constructed over 300 homes, primarily in and around Lancaster City for Lancaster Homes Inc. and the Lancaster Housing Corp.

Upon his retirement in 1952, D.S. Warfel passed the reins to his son Dick Warfel and Melvin H. Peters, son of Harry Peters. Under their leadership, the newly formed D.S. Warfel Associates thrived, expanding their operations beyond Lancaster to surrounding counties.

The 60s saw a surge in large-scale residential projects, school construction, and industrial facilities driven by booming local industries with plant expansions and new facilities emerging throughout the county. Notable local projects included the North Museum, Columbia Avenue McDonalds, Hempfield High School, Manor Shopping Center, Armstrong Cork, Leisure Lanes, and the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant on Manheim Pike.

When Mel and Dick retired in 1978, Ken, along with George Rakoczy and Tim Peters, both of whom had been with the company for seven years, became President, Vice President, and Secretary/treasurer.

The 80s marked a period of specialization for Warfel, focusing on senior care, education, healthcare, and commercial projects. Expanding their reach beyond Pennsylvania, they undertook projects in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Major expansions and renovations included Lancaster General Hospital, Armstrong, Lancaster Country Club, Lancaster Newspapers, Bell Telephone, Lancaster County Prison, and Lancaster Theological Seminary.

After the passing of George Rakoczy in 1998, Warfel continued its upward trajectory under the leadership of Tim, Ralph, and Rupe. The company nearly tripled its revenues in the 90s, reaching close to the $100 million mark. A notable achievement during this period was the 1995 renovation of the historic Fulton Theatre, which garnered Warfel its first National Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Association.

The turn of the century brought significant projects to downtown Lancaster:

• 2000 – Barshinger Center for the Arts at F&M College
• 2001 – Fulton Bank Penn Square Expansion
• 2001 – New Women and Babies Hospital at Lancaster General Suburban Campus
• 2003 – New Lancaster Police Station
• 2005 – Clipper Magazine Ballpark/Stadium

In 2007, after 40 years, Peters, the last family member of the original partners, retired. In 2008, Warfel welcomed Simpson as President/CEO, alongside Taylor and new partner Matthew Hartzler, who had joined Warfel in 1995.

Matthew Hartzler, an 18-year veteran of the firm, assumed the role of President in 2013. In 2019, Warfel expanded its reach with the opening of a second office in Paoli, PA, growing Clients for Life throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Brett Calabretta, PE LEED AP, became a partner in 2016, serving as Vice President of Work Acquisition, while Conlan Swope became a partner in 2019, serving as Vice President.

In 2020, Warfel was honored as the ENR Mid-Atlantic Contractor of the Year. Warfel continued its expansion with the opening of a third office in Winchester, Virginia, in 2022. The appointment of Swope as President in early 2024 marks a new chapter for Warfel, as it continues to uphold its mission and values while striving for continued success and strategic advancement.