In 2014, Acts Retirement-Life Communities teamed up with Warfel Construction Company and SFCS Architects to start the preconstruction phase of the renovations of Building E at Acts’ Granite Farms campus in Media, PA. Warfel had worked with Acts on previous projects, but was excited to embark on a large-scale project that would house the featured living spaces at Granite Farms.
After nearly a year of preconstruction, Warfel commenced construction in October 2015. The first few months of the project involved demolishing the interior of the building, leaving only the structure of the building standing. In order to install new structural components, Warfel installed shoring throughout the building, supporting the existing structure before new members were installed. During this process, Warfel discovered that portions of the existing concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls were not adequate to support the new structure. As a result, Warfel had to diligently track the removal of the old CMUs, installation of new CMU piers, and the grouting of the new openings to ensure new structural support.
After completing the new structural installations, as well as constructing two new additions to the building, Warfel started the installation of the interior finishes. Throughout 2016, Warfel built the spaces into new uses and functions for the future residents. The building transformed from being known as Building E, to its two new monikers: The Preserve and OakBridge Terrace.
The Preserve encompasses all areas on the third and fourth floors, which includes twenty total independent living apartments as well as a private entrance (with stair and elevator access). The centrally located common spaces comprise of two club rooms, screening room, sun room, fitness room, and activity kitchen with a bar-top alcove.
OakBridge Terrace serves as the home of forty total assisted living apartments on the first and second floors. Like the Preserve, the common spaces contain two physical therapy rooms, two dining and living rooms, two lounges, two country kitchens, a salon, a spa, a sun room, an activity room, a commercial kitchen, and several offices. The main entrance of the building boasts a welcoming Porte-Cochere for arriving residents and guests. The connection to the adjacent Building D features two separate courtyards flanking the link between the two buildings.
In conjunction with Acts and the other parties involved (architect and engineers, subcontractors, suppliers), Warfel was grateful to be a part in helping Acts achieve their goal of a new and innovative style of senior living and continuing care.
