Pennsylvania Archives

Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital

Overview of Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital

The Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital project brought a new 74,000 square foot behavioral health facility to Lancaster, Pennsylvania through a joint venture between Penn Medicine and Universal Health Services. The hospital includes 128 patient beds organized across two 16-bed units and four 24-bed units. In addition, the facility incorporates a children’s unit alongside a med-psych unit intended for patients with more intensive medical concerns. Behavioral health services within the hospital also include inpatient care for older adults. The facility additionally incorporates outpatient and day-treatment programs for patients with substance abuse disorders.

Planning and Coordination for Behavioral Health Services

The hospital adopted a Lean/IPD delivery approach throughout planning and construction of the facility. Warfel collaborated closely with the broader project team while drawing from the experience and knowledge of multiple partners throughout the process. This collaborative approach helped identify practical and cost-effective construction solutions during development of the hospital. In addition, preconstruction coordination meetings established detailed game plans with trade partners, helping crews operate more efficiently while reducing duplicated efforts across the jobsite.

Virtual Design and Construction Integration

Virtual Design and Construction efforts remained heavily integrated throughout development of Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital. Clash detection studies, constructability reviews, and virtual illustrations helped teams identify coordination issues before they affected field progress. At the same time, 3D models were used directly on the jobsite. These models gave field crews a clearer understanding of building systems and sequencing activities, helping teams respond more quickly as construction activities progressed.

Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital Delivery

As a fast-tracked healthcare project, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital relied on Pull-Planning to help maintain schedule performance throughout construction. Trade contractors communicated directly with one another throughout construction. Crews also remained aware of how individual scopes affected surrounding work. This planning approach helped crews maintain a smoother workflow across the project while responding quickly to changing construction conditions. Warfel’s coordination efforts and Pull-Planning approach helped crews stay aligned throughout the fast-tracked hospital construction schedule.

Behavioral Health Center Danville

Overview of Behavioral Health Center Danville

The Behavioral Health Center Danville project brought a new behavioral health hospital to Danville, Pennsylvania through a partnership between Acadia Healthcare, Geisinger, and Warfel. Following construction of the Moosic facility, the Danville location became the second of two identical behavioral health hospitals developed for adult and adolescent populations. The 72,578 square foot medical facility includes 96 patient beds. The hospital also incorporates spaces intended for behavioral health services and patient care. From the outset, speed to market remained a critical priority supported through early planning and coordinated execution.

Planning and Early Project Coordination

Due to the critical priority placed on speed to market, development of the Danville hospital emphasized early planning from the earliest stages of the project. Early planning centered around site approach considerations and building envelope decisions. Planning also focused on integration of major building systems across the facility. In addition, proactive coordination with state and local authorities remained a critical part of the approval and permitting process. These efforts helped guide the hospital’s schedule while keeping the accelerated construction timeline on track.

Behavioral Health Center Danville Construction

Construction of the Danville hospital followed completion of the identical behavioral health facility in Moosic. Experience gained during the first project informed sequencing, design considerations, and delivery strategies across the Danville location. Rather than repeating the original process, the team applied insight gained during the Moosic project to refine sequencing and optimize delivery of the Danville facility. Throughout development of the second hospital, the project team continued evaluating project decisions with close attention to budget, value, and schedule efficiency.

Behavioral Health Center Services and Project Delivery

Warfel completed the Behavioral Health Center Danville project as the second of two identical behavioral health hospitals developed with Acadia Healthcare and Geisinger. Insight gained during construction of the Moosic facility helped shape planning, sequencing, and delivery of the Danville location. This experience also helped maintain the project’s accelerated timeline. The completed 96-bed hospital now serves adult and adolescent populations within the Danville community.

STEM Innovation Center Renovation

Overview of the STEM Innovation Center Renovation

The STEM Innovation Center Renovation at Lancaster Catholic High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania marked the initial construction phase within the school’s overall renovation master plan. The project took place within Reilly Hall, a three-story structure totaling 168,000 square feet. Warfel’s general construction services managed demolition and reconstruction activities within the existing building while maintaining alignment with the broader renovation effort. The work transformed second-floor areas into updated educational spaces dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction.

Interior Demolition and Reconstruction

Within the STEM Innovation Center Renovation, crews completed a full demolition and rebuild of the second floor within Reilly Hall. The work renovation prepared existing classrooms, bathrooms, and support rooms for reconstruction activities throughout the space. Reconstruction activities reorganized the second-floor layout to incorporate updated classrooms and educational spaces throughout the renovated area. This process connected demolition and rebuilding activities throughout the renovation while maintaining continuity across the floor plan.

Educational Spaces in the STEM Innovation Center Renovation

The renovation established a dedicated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovation center within Reilly Hall. The updated second floor incorporates reconstructed classrooms, renovated bathroom areas, and updated instructional spaces throughout the layout. At the same time, the redesigned floor plan connected educational areas within a cohesive environment while integrating the updated innovation center throughout the renovated space.

Construction Timeline and Project Completion

Warfel’s general construction services managed demolition, reconstruction, and renovation activities throughout the thirteen-week construction duration. From the outset, the team sequenced work throughout the second floor while maintaining progress within the active school environment. The accelerated construction schedule required consistent progress throughout each phase of the renovation process while maintaining alignment between demolition, rebuilding, and final interior work. The project team completed the renovation and obtained a certificate of occupancy from Manheim Township ahead of the original schedule.

Granite Farms Estates Complete Building Renovation

Overview of Granite Farms Estates

Granite Farms Estates in Media, Pennsylvania transformed the original mid-1980s “Building E” for Acts Retirement-Life Communities through a complete interior, exterior, and site renovation. The work included demolition, redesign, and reconstruction throughout the existing apartment building, reconfiguring the structure to accommodate assisted living and independent living spaces within the updated layout. Warfel’s general construction services aligned interior reconstruction with exterior and site updates across the property while maintaining continuity between renovation phases throughout the building.

Residential Spaces at Granite Farms Estates

Granite Farms Estates reconfigured the building to create 40 assisted living units across the first two floors. In addition, the upper floors now contain 20 high-end independent living apartments within the renovated structure. This work required complete demolition before reconstruction activities began throughout the building interior, with updated circulation paths and shared areas integrated throughout the redesigned layout. The renovation also connected residential spaces across multiple levels while aligning floor-to-floor transitions within the building.

Common Areas and Interior Amenities

Granite Farms Estates included multiple shared spaces throughout the building to support residential activities and daily use. Common areas include two physical therapy rooms along with two dining and living rooms. The building also contains two lounges, two country kitchens, a salon, a spa, and an activity room. The renovation incorporated a commercial kitchen and several office spaces within the updated layout, connecting shared amenity areas with residential portions of the building throughout the renovation.

Construction and Building Transformation

Warfel’s general construction services managed demolition, reconstruction, and renovation activities throughout the existing structure. From the outset, the team connected interior reconstruction with exterior and site updates throughout the property while sequencing work across multiple renovation phases. This phasing connected residential renovations with shared amenity spaces while maintaining continuity between reconstructed areas throughout the building. The renovation also integrated updated layouts within the original structure while connecting reconstructed spaces across each floor.

Haupert Union Building (HUB) Expansion & Renovations

Haupert Union Building Expansion Overview

The HUB expansion at Moravian University builds on a long-standing center for student life. Originally constructed in 1962, the facility served students for many years, but as the campus grew, the need for updated and expanded spaces became clear. This expansion enhances the student experience through thoughtful improvements and carefully planned additions, with Warfel supporting the effort through careful coordination, maintained access, and continuity throughout construction.

Enhancing Student Life Through the HUB Expansion

The HUB expansion introduces updated spaces that support both academic and social engagement. These include new study areas, gathering spaces, and improved dining facilities for daily campus use. In addition, the project provides a health and wellness center with counseling services for students. Dedicated areas for career engagement and exploration also support student development and future planning.

On the fourth floor, the HUB expansion adds flexible spaces designed for collaboration and events. This level includes a boardroom, conference center, and multiple breakout rooms. Catering support areas help accommodate campus functions and gatherings. An outdoor terrace extends these spaces and offers views overlooking Makuvek Field.

Maintaining Campus Operations During the HUB Expansion

Maintaining access to essential student services remained a priority throughout the HUB expansion. The existing building stayed active while surrounded on three sides by construction. Because of this, careful planning and clear communication guided each phase of the work.

Construction activities were coordinated to reduce disruption while supporting daily campus operations. Students and faculty continued to access dining, meeting areas, and services without major interruption. As a result, the campus experience remained consistent while improvements progressed.

A Thoughtful Approach to Campus Improvement

The HUB expansion reflects a balance between growth and continuity for Moravian University. Each update supports evolving student needs while respecting the building’s role on campus. Through coordination and attention to detail, the project enhances both function and experience.

The result is a renewed campus resource offering flexible, supportive spaces. These updates align with the university’s goals and continue to serve students now and in the future.

WellSpan at Health Knowledge Park

Knowledge Park Renovation at York College

The Knowledge Park renovation reflects a thoughtful transformation on the campus of York College of Pennsylvania. The former Papermill building now serves as a hub for tenants and the surrounding community. Instead of replacing the structure, the project focused on careful adaptation. This approach allowed the building’s purpose to evolve naturally. At the same time, the existing character was respected. Through the Knowledge Park renovation, the space now supports collaboration and creativity. As a result, the building offers offices for rent and shared spaces. These areas encourage connection and daily use. Overall, the project aligns with the college’s long-term campus vision.

Studio Fit-Out Supporting Creative Work

As part of the Knowledge Park renovation, one tenant space was fitted out for WellSpan. The space was designed as a professional studio environment. To support production needs, the first floor emphasizes flexibility. For example, a full cyclorama wall supports clean visual backgrounds. In addition, a pipe grid system supports lighting and audio equipment. This system also allows future adjustments. A large garage door improves access for equipment and props. Meanwhile, soundproof walls and doors help control noise. Together, these features support creative work efficiently. The studio remains flexible without feeling overly complex.

Office Spaces Designed for Daily Use

Above the studio, the second floor was converted into office space. This level supports daily operations and collaboration. The floor includes editing rooms and private offices. Shared workstations support team-based work. In addition, an engineering room includes a dedicated audio area. Conference rooms provide space for meetings and discussions. A break area supports comfort throughout the workday. By balancing shared and focused spaces, the layout supports varied work styles. At the same time, the design allows future adjustments.

Addressing Existing Conditions Thoughtfully

Existing conditions presented challenges during construction. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems required careful coordination. Because of this, the team relied on internal virtual design support. MEP systems were modeled before installation began. This step helped identify conflicts early. As a result, installation progressed with greater clarity. Disruptions were reduced throughout construction. Steady progress supported overall quality and schedule goals.

Supporting the Schedule Through Self-Performed Work

Self-performed work supported progress throughout the Knowledge Park renovation. Several scopes were completed in-house. These included painting, doors, and hardware. As a result of this approach, coordination improved across trades. Schedule efficiency remained a priority. Overall, the project reflects collaboration and practical problem-solving. The completed space supports creative production and professional work. It also strengthens community use. The Knowledge Park renovation stands as a measured example of adaptive reuse.

Crum Ledge Student Housing

Historic Campus Context

These residences sit within the Crum Woods on Swarthmore College’s historic campus. Built in 1946, the buildings originally served as faculty housing. For more than 75 years, they supported daily campus life. Over time, limited updates left systems aging and layouts outdated.

As student housing needs increased, the college identified a new opportunity for these buildings. A campus housing renovation offered a way to reuse existing structures responsibly. The project required careful balance between preservation and modernization. The team approached the work with respect for both history and future use.

The college established a firm goal for student occupancy by fall 2025. That goal shaped design decisions and construction planning. Safety, comfort, and code compliance guided every phase of the project.

Scope of the Campus Housing Renovation

Warfel Construction led the campus housing renovation from November 2024 through June 2025. The team addressed both building upgrades and site improvements. Crews upgraded underground utilities to support long-term performance and reliability.

New paving and pedestrian pathways improved accessibility and campus circulation. Exterior repairs strengthened building envelopes and addressed years of weather exposure. The team modernized building systems to meet current standards. Each improvement focused on durability and long-term value.

The renovation team worked carefully within the wooded campus setting. Thoughtful sequencing minimized disruption to nearby academic areas. The work respected both the site and its surroundings.

Interior Transformation

Interior spaces required intentional redesign to support student living. Original layouts no longer met modern residential needs. Designers reconfigured floor plans to improve flow and usability. Updated layouts now support shared living and personal space.

New finishes brightened interiors and created welcoming environments. The team selected materials for durability and ease of maintenance. Modern fixtures improved comfort, lighting, and daily functionality. System upgrades enhanced efficiency and overall building performance.

Accessibility improvements were integrated throughout the interiors. The team met current standards while preserving historic character. The campus housing renovation successfully connected past design with present needs.

Project Completion and Impact

Strong coordination helped the team maintain steady progress. Clear communication supported collaboration across all trades. The project reached completion on schedule for the fall semester. Students gained additional on-campus housing without delays.

The completed campus housing renovation reflects thoughtful planning and skilled craftsmanship. These historic residences now support modern student life. The project strengthens the campus experience for future generations. It also highlights the value of reinvesting in existing campus buildings.

Campus Expansion – Building M

Warfel partnered with Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories on the Campus Expansion Building M, a five-story, Class-A laboratory, office, and parking garage addition to their growing campus. The new facility was designed to support Eurofins’ biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical operations, with large-scale laboratory space, modern offices, and conference rooms on every floor. A sky bridge links the third floor of the existing Building D to the third floor of Building M, enhancing connectivity across campus.

The project’s scope expanded significantly during construction, with multiple lab fit-outs and added program requirements introduced midstream. To keep turnover and commissioning on schedule, Warfel implemented strategic workflow adjustments and proactive planning to minimize delays while maintaining quality and safety.

A defining element of this project was the complexity of its MEP systems. Warfel’s Virtual Design and Construction and Constructability teams led comprehensive coordination efforts, hosting regular, inclusive meetings with trade partners, engineers, designers, and the owner team. This collaborative approach ensured seamless system integration, rapid issue resolution, and built-in flexibility for future campus growth with connection points to upcoming expansions.

The completed Building M reflects Eurofins’ commitment to innovation and positions their Lancaster campus for continued advancement in the life sciences industry.

Falcon Pointe Independent Living Apartments

Falcon Pointe is a four-story, 85,000-square-foot apartment building offering 35 thoughtfully designed two-bedroom independent living units. With four unique floor plans—Lilac, Lotus, Marigold, and Zinnia—residents can choose a layout that best fits their lifestyle. Select plans, including the Lotus and Zinnia, feature an additional den space for added flexibility and comfort.

Designed with community and convenience in mind, Falcon Pointe includes two shared amenity spaces: a first-floor multi-purpose room ideal for social events and a fourth-floor rooftop lounge with sweeping views of downtown Lancaster.

The new building seamlessly connects to the adjacent Bluebird building, which Warfel completed in 2018. Indoor access between the two structures and an underground pipe tunnel allow for efficient integration of mechanical and electrical systems, improving overall functionality for residents and staff.

Warfel’s VDM (Virtual Design & Management) program empowered residents to personalize their new homes with a curated selection of upgrades—from cabinet finishes and paint colors to tile, fireplaces, and more—ensuring each apartment reflects the resident’s individual style.

Falcon Pointe at Tandem Living delivers a modern, connected living experience that balances comfort, customization, and community.

Boardroom and Conference Center Renovations

Fulton Financial teamed up with Warfel Construction to reimagine an underused fifth-floor space at its Lancaster headquarters. The result: a cutting-edge executive boardroom and a 188-seat multimedia training center. Spanning 11,000 square feet, the transformation involved major structural modifications, complete demolition and rebuild, a full MEP redesign, and the integration of high-end finishes and advanced AV systems.

Warfel delivered this comprehensive renovation in the middle of an active, occupied corporate headquarters. To make the vision a reality, the team removed existing steel columns. It installed two 80-foot transfer beams—executed in carefully sequenced overnight operations to avoid disrupting daily business and in Lancaster’s tight downtown footprint, rigging and crane logistics required precise coordination. Warfel’s value engineering and constructability reviews uncovered cost-saving opportunities without compromising the design.

The new space features custom millwork, premium finishes, and fully integrated audiovisual technology—creating a modern hub for executive strategy and employee development. Thanks to Warfel’s innovative planning and disciplined execution, the project finished ahead of schedule for a critical board meeting and was completed with zero safety incidents.

This transformation enhances collaboration and training and reinforces Fulton Financial’s long-standing commitment to Lancaster and its future.