As the necessity for real-world experience becomes paramount in the world of education, York College of Pennsylvania is constructing a new facility, dubbed Knowledge Park, to incorporate the rich commercial landscape of York, PA with a wide variety of their degree programs. Students will experience a blend of classroom-based education with diverse, real-world learning experiences with the community partnerships developed in this new space.
The College has acquired a nearby, three-story warehouse property located along Codorus Creek to house this new development venture and provide both classroom spaces and commercial venues to support corporate partnerships. This historic building had served York County for over 200 years as the former Schmidt & Ault Paper Co.
To aid in project funding, the College was awarded a grant through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). Developed by RLPS Architects and other local design talent, the project consists of preparing the overall site and West End portion of the warehouse for future tenant fit-outs. A new expansion will allow central access from the exterior to each of the respective levels, with each floor sharing common lobby spaces and central amenities. Small classrooms and student study spaces within the structure will reinforce the connection between real-world experience and institutional learning for students studying everything from engineering to communications. To revitalize the building’s exterior, a new roof, complete masonry repointing, and extensive window replacement will be constructed throughout the project.
Work commenced in May 2022, following careful planning by the project team to effectively address several hazardous materials within the space. Since then, Warfel Construction and our subcontractors have set up temporary utilities and completed the majority of selective and structural demolition. The team’s current ongoing exterior work includes bulk sitework and grading, utilities, and paving. On the building’s interior, extensive MEP coordination is underway, as well as the construction of interior partitions and utility shafts. The team began replacing the existing roof system over the past weeks.
Warfel is pleased to partner with RLPS Architects, C.S. Davidson, RGS Associates, JBD Engineering, and Susquehanna Real Estate on this project. Construction is set to reach substantial completion in July of 2023.
