Athletic Pavilion Overview
The Athletic Pavilion at Cabrini University expands the existing fitness facility by 28,000 SF in Radnor, Pennsylvania. The design introduces a two-story atrium with a full-length glass curtain wall that brings natural light into the space. As a result, the addition creates a bright and open environment that supports both daily use and campus events. The expansion also strengthens the connection between new and existing areas within the facility while improving overall flow.
Athletic Pavilion Design and Program Spaces
The Athletic Pavilion includes spaces that support both fitness and campus life. Fitness and studio rooms provide areas for training and group activity, while weight training rooms support strength development. A central lobby includes a café and event space, creating a place for gathering and interaction. Dedicated locker rooms support intercollegiate teams and align with athletic program needs. Because of this, the facility supports both performance and community engagement within a single environment.
Renovations to Existing Facility
The team completed 17,000 SF of interior renovations throughout the existing facility. These updates improve fitness areas, offices, and classroom spaces. The work supports a more consistent experience across both new and existing portions of the building. As a result, the facility functions as a cohesive environment while supporting a range of uses. The renovations also align older spaces with the updated design of the expansion and improve overall usability.
Preconstruction Planning and Collaboration
Warfel led preconstruction efforts to help Cabrini University align project goals with budget and schedule constraints. The team identified what could be achieved within available resources while maintaining project intent. In collaboration with WRT Design, the team explored structural and system options to support the program. As a result, the project met program needs without compromising the overall design. This approach balanced design goals with practical considerations and supported informed decision-making throughout the project.
Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art
The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art project at Ursinus College expands a historic campus building in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Originally constructed in 1921 as the Alumni Memorial Library, the structure now supports museum use through a 4,200 SF front addition. The Berman Museum of Art addition introduces new exhibition and education spaces while maintaining the character of the existing building. As a result, the project strengthens both the function and identity of the museum within the campus while supporting continued use of the historic structure.
Berman Museum of Art Addition and Design Features
The Berman Museum of Art addition features a curved-glass atrium that defines the new front of the building. This atrium houses a formal exhibition gallery along with dedicated education spaces that support learning and engagement. The design allows natural light to enter the space while supporting a controlled interior environment. Seven climate-controlled and light-regulated open storage vitrines house over half of the museum’s collection. Because of this, the design supports both display and preservation within a single environment while maintaining visibility for visitors.
Exhibition and Outdoor Spaces
The terrace above the expansion incorporates a green roof that supports environmental performance and long-term durability. This space also includes an outdoor sculpture garden that extends the museum experience beyond the interior. As a result, visitors can engage with artwork in both indoor and outdoor settings throughout the site. The connection between the atrium, gallery, and terrace supports a continuous flow throughout the museum while maintaining a clear relationship between spaces.
Renovations to Existing Building Areas
Warfel completed interior renovations to the existing restrooms and basement as part of the project. These updates support the functionality of the building while aligning with the new addition. Because of this, the existing structure works together with the expanded spaces as a cohesive environment. The completed project reflects a thoughtful approach to integrating new construction with a historic building while supporting ongoing use.
Kelly Hall Middle School and Early Learning School Renovations Overview
The Kelly Hall Middle School and Early Learning School renovations at Saint Agnes School reconfigured existing spaces in West Chester, Pennsylvania to better support student needs across age groups. This shift allows Kelly Hall Middle School to operate in a space aligned with middle school instruction and daily use, while creating clearer organization between age groups and maintaining a connected learning setting.
Kelly Hall Middle School Design and Space Reconfiguration
These renovations repositioned the middle school and early learning programs within the existing building. The former early learning space was renovated to support classrooms and common areas for middle school students, while the early learning program moved into the previous middle school space. Because of this, each program now operates in a space that better supports its educational needs. The reconfiguration improves organization while maintaining continuity throughout the building. The updated layout also supports clearer circulation between classrooms and shared spaces.
Supporting Learning Environments
The renovations also included updates to the library to better support student use and learning activities. This improvement aligns the space with the updated layout of the building. As a result, the library now supports both programs while fitting more naturally within the overall design. The updates contribute to a more functional environment that supports daily learning and engagement across age groups. The improved layout allows the library to support both individual and group use.
Coordinated Renovation Approach
Warfel completed these renovations with a focus on aligning spaces to support student needs. The project required detailed planning to ensure the transition between spaces remained organized. Because of this, both programs now function within environments that support their respective uses. The completed work reflects a thoughtful approach to adapting existing spaces to better serve the school community. The approach also supported a smooth transition between the reconfigured areas.
Overview of the New Hershey Location Fit Out
The New Hershey Location Fit Out in Middletown, Pennsylvania converted a previously abandoned medical office into a day care facility for Celebree School. The project reconfigured the existing interior to accommodate infant through school-age children within a single location. Warfel’s services coordinated the transformation by aligning demolition, layout changes, and system updates within the existing structure. As a result, the project reflects a structured interior conversion that supports organized use across newly defined spaces.
Interior Work in the New Hershey Location Fit Out
The New Hershey Location Fit Out required a complete floor plan demolition to prepare the space for new construction. Crews removed existing interior elements to allow for a full reconfiguration of the layout. In addition, the team framed new walls to define classrooms and support areas within the building. This process established a clear structure for the updated layout. In turn, the reconfigured floor plan aligns interior spaces with the operational needs of a day care environment.
Material Installation and Interior Finishes
The project included the installation of new floors, ceilings, and light fixtures throughout the facility. In addition, crews applied new paint and installed casework to complete interior spaces. These updates required coordination across multiple trades to maintain consistency throughout the building. Together, these elements establish a cohesive interior environment while aligning finishes with the updated layout. The coordinated installation process-maintained continuity across all interior areas.
Coordinated Construction Approach
Warfel’s services coordinated the construction process to align demolition, framing, and finish installation within the existing structure. From the outset, the team managed sequencing across each phase to maintain organization throughout the project. This approach ensured that each stage aligned with the overall layout and construction process. Ultimately, the completed renovation reflects a coordinated interior fit out that aligns updated spaces within the existing building.
Overview of McCabe Library Envelope Repairs
The McCabe Library Envelope Repairs project at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania addressed long-term repair needs throughout the existing library facility. Located within the college’s campus west of Philadelphia, the library had received minimal maintenance since its original construction in 1967.The project focused on preserving and improving the existing structure through coordinated repair and replacement activities across multiple areas of the building. In turn, the work aligned facade, envelope, window, and roof repairs throughout the renovation effort. The renovation approached restoration work with an emphasis on preserving and enhancing McCabe Library for future generations.
Facade and Envelope Restoration
The renovation focused on repairing aging facade and exterior envelope conditions throughout the library. The project incorporated coordinated repair activities intended to preserve the existing structure while improving deteriorated exterior areas across the facility. At the same time, crews sequenced facade and envelope work across multiple portions of the library while maintaining progress throughout the restoration effort. The project also incorporated roof-related repairs connected to the broader exterior renovation scope.
Window Replacement and Building Improvements
More than 150 storefronts and windows were replaced throughout the McCabe Library Envelope Repairs project. In addition, the work incorporated framing repairs and updated window finishes connected to the broader restoration effort. Crews coordinated installation activities throughout the existing structure while integrating updated window systems alongside ongoing repair work. This process connected storefront replacement, framing updates, and finish work throughout the larger renovation effort.
Preservation and Long-Term McCabe Library Envelope Repairs
The Warfel project team coordinated restoration and repair activities throughout the existing library while sequencing work across multiple portions of the facility. From the outset, crews organized envelope repairs, facade work, and roof improvements throughout the project duration. The repair process also maintained continuity between restoration activities while integrating updated building components within the original structure. Together, the completed repairs preserve and enhance McCabe Library while contributing to the long-term maintenance of the Swarthmore College campus.
Overview of Reading CollegeTowne
The Reading CollegeTowne Redevelopment project marked Alvernia University’s first step toward establishing a presence in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania. Centered around a former five-story insurance building that had remained vacant for years, the project focused on transforming the structure into a showpiece for the university. Warfel served as the design-build contractor while assisting Alvernia University and RLPS Architects throughout the redevelopment effort. From the outset, the project emphasized design and construction considerations with careful attention to budget and overall project value.
Reading CollegeTowne Redevelopment and Building Transformation
The redevelopment reimagined a long-vacant downtown insurance building as a renewed university facility within the city of Reading. Renovation and reconstruction activities reshaped the existing five-story structure while preserving continuity between original and updated portions of the building. At the same time, planning and construction decisions remained centered around Alvernia University’s broader vision for its downtown presence while advancing redevelopment goals, guiding renovation priorities, and balancing practical construction considerations throughout the renovation effort.
Design-Build Collaboration and Planning
The Reading CollegeTowne Redevelopment project relied on close collaboration between Warfel, Alvernia University, and RLPS Architects throughout planning and construction. As design-build contractor, Warfel evaluated construction and design options while maintaining attention to budget and project value. This approach helped guide redevelopment decisions while advancing the university’s vision for its downtown Reading presence.
Downtown Revitalization and Project Impact
Reading CollegeTowne utilized RACP funding as part of the broader redevelopment effort within downtown Reading. Throughout the project, crews coordinated renovation and redevelopment activities across the existing structure while supporting the transformation of the long-vacant building. The completed redevelopment contributes to Alvernia University’s growing downtown presence while participating in the continued revitalization of the surrounding city environment. In addition, the project reflects a long-term investment in the future of downtown Reading and the surrounding community
Overview of Student Housing Redevelopment
The Student Housing Redevelopment project for the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in Lancaster, Pennsylvania converted a historic structure into updated student housing. The renovation involved extensive modifications to the original open floor plan while incorporating modern residential necessities and conveniences throughout the building. At the same time, the redevelopment preserved and highlighted defining historic features connected to the former tobacco warehouse structure. Throughout the renovation, the project balanced updated residential functions with preservation of the building’s original character and architectural identity.
Historic Preservation and Building Character
The renovation retained many of the historic elements that define Lancaster’s former tobacco warehouses.. Exposed brick walls remained visible alongside the heavy wood beams and columns found throughout the original structure. Rather than covering these materials, the renovation incorporated them into the updated residential spaces across the building. As a result, the completed redevelopment continues to reflect the character of the historic warehouse while accommodating student housing use.
Interior Layout and Residential Updates
The Student Housing Redevelopment project included extensive modifications to the original open floor plan throughout the building. A new central staircase was installed to provide access to two apartments on each of the three floors. At the same time, the renovation incorporated modern residential features within the existing structure while blending renovated spaces with preserved historic elements, improving circulation between apartments and organizing residential access throughout the building.
Student Housing and Project Completion
Warfel completed the redevelopment of the former tobacco warehouse into updated student housing for the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design July of 2018. Throughout the renovation, the project maintained many of the building’s original architectural elements while introducing modern residential spaces within the historic structure. Exposed brick, heavy timber beams, and wood columns remain visible throughout the completed housing environment, continuing the character long associated with Lancaster’s historic warehouse buildings.
Overview of Summer Dormitory Renovations
The Summer Dormitory Renovations project at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania updated student residence halls across five consecutive summers. Each summer carried a tight 14-week construction window, so the work had to be organized around the campus calendar. Across six buildings, scopes changed in size and complexity while addressing halls that had gone decades without major renovation. Warfel completed the work in recurring summer windows, helping refresh student housing before students returned to campus.
Summer Dormitory Renovations and Interior Updates
Summer Dormitory Renovations included hands-on interior updates across multiple residence halls. Crews removed built-in furniture, renovated bathrooms, and installed refreshed finishes throughout student living areas. Bright walls and energetic accent colors helped unify the spaces while making better use of natural light. Through careful construction management, the work created a more consistent look across renovated areas without treating each hall as a separate finish update. The interiors now feel brighter and more connected from one space to the next..
Building Systems and Infrastructure Work
The renovation effort also addressed the less visible work needed inside the buildings. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades were completed as part of the broader residence hall scope. Roof work and elevator additions added another layer of complexity to the repeated summer schedules. Because each building carried different needs, the work required flexibility from one summer to the next. That variety shaped each phase while keeping the focus on student housing improvements.
Multi-Summer Residence Hall Improvements
Warfel worked across five summers of Summer Dormitory Renovations, pairing short construction windows with changing scopes across six campus buildings. The work went beyond surface-level updates by combining bathroom renovations, systems upgrades, roof work, elevator additions, and refreshed finishes. Together, these renovations renewed residence hall spaces that had not seen major updates in decades. The completed work reflects the challenge of improving active campus housing within limited summer windows. It also shows how repeat summer work can build consistency across buildings without ignoring each hall’s specific needs.
