Pennsylvania Archives

Educational Child Care Center

Purpose-Built for Early Learning

Built from the ground up, this educational child care center was developed for Kiddie Academy to support infants, toddlers, early preschool, preschool, and pre-kindergarten children. This design-build facility in Centerville, Pennsylvania, is an 11,329-square-foot space that was designed with the specific needs of early childhood education in mind—blending function, safety, and flexibility.

Collaborative Design-Build Delivery

Led by Rick Carter, Director of Virtual Design & Construction, Warfel’s team partnered closely with the franchisee to deliver a true one-stop solution. Our in-house VDC experts fully designed the building to meet Kiddie Academy’s brand and operational standards.

The completed facility features a full commercial kitchen, adaptable classroom layouts, and a versatile outdoor playground with a basketball court. Each classroom includes a consistent layout with restrooms, cubbies, cot closets, and direct access to the play area—ensuring efficiency and ease of use for staff and students alike.

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Early in planning, Warfel helped the client pivot from an unsuccessful lease opportunity to securing a greenfield site that better met their long-term needs. That proactive approach helped set the stage for a smooth, streamlined build.

Solving Challenges with Speed and Accountability

During excavation, the team uncovered unsuitable soils and buried debris, including remnants of a former structure. Later, sustained rainfall during roof installation led to moisture buildup and potential mold concerns. Warfel acted swiftly—sealing trusses, testing roof materials, and implementing thorough mitigation strategies to protect the building’s integrity and safety.

Delivering on Trust—Start to Finish

Warfel completed the Kiddie Academy project in approximately seven months. The result reflects our commitment to collaboration, transparency, and proactive problem-solving—even when faced with unforeseen challenges.

More than a successful build, this project represents a lasting partnership. It embodies Warfel’s Clients for Life mission and our dedication to delivering value-driven, full-service solutions in the education sector.

Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services

This three-story addition to the existing Southwood Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital adds 66,371 square feet of space and provides 108 new inpatient beds, significantly expanding the facility’s capacity to serve children and adolescents facing behavioral health challenges. In addition to residential and inpatient treatment services, the new space includes a wide variety of recreational amenities designed to support both physical and mental well-being—most notably a full track and basketball court, creating an environment that promotes movement, engagement, and healing.

Navigating Site Challenges

Located in Pittsburgh, PA, this project presented its fair share of site-specific challenges. During early site preparation and grading, our team discovered that the hospital’s primary power line—running from Boyce Plaza Road into the existing facility—was directly beneath the proposed building pad for the new addition. This unexpected obstacle threatened to delay the schedule by approximately six weeks, as relocation of the power line was a prerequisite for continuing with foundation work.

Instead of accepting this delay as inevitable, Warfel’s team proactively evaluated the construction schedule and identified a solution. By re-sequencing the work and creating an access road behind the future building, we were able to pour the slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck on the rear half of the building while steel erection progressed on the front half. This strategic adjustment allowed construction to move forward despite the utility conflict, mitigating the delay and keeping the project aligned with the overall timeline.

Leveraging Prior Experience for Long-Term Success

Drawing on our previous experience with Acadia Healthcare projects, our team brought deep knowledge of the owner’s standards—particularly in building envelope performance. Early in the project, we led a collaborative review of window flashing details with the design team and building envelope consultant. This proactive approach ensures a durable, high-performing building and reinforces our shared commitment to long-term value.

Building for a Better Future

Partnering with Acadia Healthcare on this important facility underscores our dedication to advancing access to behavioral health services that make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

Centerville Family Medicine New Location

Centerville Family Medicine is one of several projects Warfel has completed for Penn Medicine, showcasing innovative design and efficient space utilization. The clinic is situated on a relatively small plot of land, which presented a unique challenge for maximizing the building’s size while still ensuring ample parking space. To address this, the design incorporates a stormwater system integrated with the parking lot, featuring permeable paving and an underground retention basin. This solution not only meets the client’s requirements but also promotes environmental sustainability.

Exterior Design and Finishes

The exterior of the clinic boasts high-end finishes that enhance its aesthetic appeal. A thin brick panelized system, combined with architectural block elements, creates a striking appearance. Expansive glass storefronts bring in an abundance of natural light, helping to create an open and welcoming environment. The 9,000-square-foot building, supported by a steel structural frame, is designed with a flat roof and a concrete slab on a grade foundation, ensuring durability and stability.

Interior Design and Features

Inside, the design emphasizes modern finishes that are both functional and visually appealing. The metal panel ceiling system offers a sleek and industrial look, while rustic wood paneling on an accent wall adds warmth and character to the space. The flooring is both durable and attractive, made with resilient materials that can withstand high traffic while maintaining an inviting aesthetic. A unique feature is the curved solid surface reception desk, which is integrated with glass panels, adding a touch of elegance to the entryway.

To further enhance the overall ambiance, decorative accent lighting is strategically placed throughout the clinic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for both patients and staff. The HVAC and electrical systems were carefully selected to meet performance requirements, while also prioritizing energy efficiency and reliability. This ensures the clinic operates smoothly and sustainably, providing a comfortable and efficient environment for all who visit.

Office Renovations at Ciocca Automotive

Warfel Construction recently completed a 15,000 SF office fit-out for Ciocca Automotive, transforming a second-floor shell into a modern, functional workspace. This project involved extensive collaboration with Mula Group to design and implement the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems through a design-build approach.

The project included creating multiple conference rooms, workstations, restrooms, a breakroom, and a welcoming reception area. Each space was designed with a focus on efficiency and comfort to support the dynamic needs of the Ciocca team.

Given the building’s multi-tenant layout, careful coordination with the tenants on the 1st and 3rd floors was a top priority throughout construction. The Warfel team was mindful of the potential disruption caused by noise during key tasks, such as painting and installing MEP systems. Core drilling for MEP work was strategically scheduled during off-hours to minimize any impact on building occupants.

The finished space features upscale design elements, including custom casework, glass partitions, and tiled restrooms, all contributing to a sleek, modern look. One of the standout features is a striking water feature located at the front entrance, providing an added touch of elegance to the facility.

Throughout the project, Warfel demonstrated a commitment to quality and meticulous planning, ensuring that the Ciocca Automotive office renovation was completed on time and to the highest standards while minimizing disruption to neighboring tenants. The result is a functional, modern workspace that aligns with Ciocca Automotive’s brand and enhances the productivity and comfort of their team.

Commons Renovations at Homestead Village

Homestead Village, a premier life-plan community in Lancaster, PA, is dedicated to offering exceptional resident-centered amenities. To enhance the community’s offerings, a multi-phased renovation and expansion of common areas were completed. The goal was to create a vibrant activity hub, featuring a new dining area, kitchen, spa, nurses offices, and more.

Renovation Highlights

Warfel Construction led significant renovations, starting with the transformation of the lobby and dining area. This included an addition to expand the dining space and several food service upgrades. The revamped space now includes a deli, a bistro with a pizza oven, a bussing station, a wait station, and a food take-out area. Additionally, the updated lobby also features a new celebration space, a gift shop, and an enlarged mailroom.

Along with the front-of-house spaces, the kitchen underwent extensive renovations with the installation of new, state-of-the-art equipment, including a commercial dishwasher and kitchen hood system. The spa was relocated to provide a more modern and spacious environment, complete with a reception area and a dedicated manicure/pedicure room to better serve residents.

Furthermore, HVAC system upgrades were completed, and new flooring, lighting, and finishes were installed throughout the project. The corridors connecting shared spaces were also updated with fresh flooring, ceilings, lighting, paint, and wall coverings.

In conclusion, this renovation project was a collaborative effort that helped elevate Homestead Village as a hub for quality services and inviting spaces. The Warfel team is proud to have contributed to this transformation, which will enhance the living experience for residents for years to come.

Phased Project Approach:

The renovation was completed in four distinct phases:

Phase I: Dining Area Addition and Renovation, Lobby and Reception Area Renovation
Phase II: Nurses Offices Renovation, Kitchen Renovation
Phase III: Café and Spa Renovation
Phase IV: Main Corridor Renovation

Academic Building Addition & Renovations

This expansion to the DV Friends campus significantly transformed the school’s entrance and improved its overall functionality, creating a more welcoming and efficient space for students, staff, and visitors. This project introduced key updates, including new front and rear entry vestibules, exterior ramps, and canopies that redefine the school’s main entrance. These upgrades not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus but also provide improved accessibility. Additionally, our team constructed a new two-story, 8,130-square-foot building, providing additional classrooms and expanded administrative space, allowing the school to meet the growing needs of its community. We completed approximately 1,975 SF of interior renovations focusing on the areas where the new addition seamlessly connects to the existing structure.

A standout feature of the project was relocating the school’s entryway to the point where DV Friends’ two buildings meet, creating a central reception area that all visitors will pass through—whether entering from the front or rear. This new design centralizes the building’s entry points and makes the school fully accessible for the first time in its history.

Construction began in April 2024, and our team leveraged extensive experience working in active school environments to ensure the safety of students and staff. We prioritized planning and careful coordination to minimize disruptions to the school’s daily activities. This included aligning our work with the school’s academic calendar, summer camps, and sporting events to ensure smooth operations throughout the project.

One of the challenges we successfully overcame was the tight timeline for completing renovations before students returned. Specifically, we had to complete the building and ramp connections in the existing hallway, along with essential MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) work, all within a three-month summer window. Despite this compressed schedule, our team delivered the project on time, meeting the school’s needs and expectations.

Knowledge Park Redevelopment

The Knowledge Park Redevelopment project revitalized the historic 200-year-old Schmidt & Ault Paper Co., transforming the site into a dynamic business and innovation hub. This redevelopment created modern fit-out spaces for local businesses and fostered a unique blend of classroom-based education with real-world learning experiences. The project benefits both York College students and faculty by enhancing the educational environment and offering a range of Project-Based Learning opportunities. These opportunities span disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and liberal arts, all across three floors.

The Knowledge Park Redevelopment has made a significant impact on the local community. The 40-acre property now connects York College with the surrounding area, providing new spaces for commercial tenants and strengthening the bond between the campus and the community. This innovative hub cultivates an entrepreneurial ecosystem that will benefit the region for years to come.

The building’s architectural design honors its industrial roots while blending modernity with heritage. A sleek new glass storefront and facade modernize the front of the building, creating an inviting and contemporary entrance for the hub. Construction on the Knowledge Park Redevelopment began in May 2022 and finished in November 2024, marking a major milestone in transforming Knowledge Park into a cutting-edge educational and business center.

IHM Center for Innovation & Creativity

Over six months, the IHM Center for Innovation and Creativity at Bishop Shanahan High School was involved in transforming the existing Media Center, Computer Resource Lab, and part of the academic wing. The newly created spaces, featuring 12,400 sq ft of cutting-edge technology labs, modern presentation areas, and dynamic collaboration zones, are designed to enhance the school curriculum. These facilities will enable students to engage deeply with their studies and explore their passions in physics, engineering, mathematics, graphic design, robotics, and art.

Whisk Cafe

Located on the edge of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s campus, the Whisk Cafe is in a restored commercial unit which the Warfel team converted into a unique, farm-to-table restaurant. Serving the Masonic Village and greater Elizabethtown Community, the renovated space features more natural light, new MEP systems, and commercial kitchen equipment. Extensive planning was required to keep the project on a tight schedule, and special care was taken to coordinate utilities with another contractor working on Masonic Village’s busy campus.

The Pond’s Edge Cafe

The renovation to the dining room and café included upgrades to the walls, flooring, and above-ceiling systems. Notable amenities and finishes include trellis and chandelier lighting, an electric fireplace, sound attenuation panels, a new storefront entryway with a pocket door, and a hearth pizza oven. New high-end kitchen equipment included in the complex kitchen package required detailed communication with the design team and owner to ensure timely selections to maintain the project schedule.