Category: Team
SCHRADERGROUP Celebrates Associates!
The SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team recently held a strategy planning retreat at the Hotel Palomar in Center City Philadelphia. The entire SG team from each office met in person for the first time together since the start of the pandemic for a firm development event with the goal of planning for the future success of the company.
A highlight of the day was the announcement of new company leadership (which actually took effect in 2020, but could not be publicly recognized due to the pandemic). The Associate role recognizes individuals who have exhibited leadership and who have made significant contributions to the growth of the firm.
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- Office Manager Regina Jean-Claude
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- Project Manager Dan D’Amico
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- Project Manager Devin Bradbury
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- Senior Project Manger Danielle Hoffer
Four SG employees were elevated to the position of Associate at the retreat: Office Manager Regina Jean-Claude, Senior Project Manager Danielle Hoffer, and Project Managers Dan D’Amico and Devin Bradbury. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of these individuals next time you see them!
To learn more about SG, our team, and the work that we do, please click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021, Part 2
Now that summer has come to an end, a few SG projects are wrapping up while construction continues on many others. A few of the construction projects currently underway include the additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School for the North Penn School District, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School and construction of new athletic facilities for the new high school, the new PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to two School District of Philadelphia Schools, Anne Frank Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, and additions and renovations to two Council Rock School District Schools, Hilcrest Elementary School and Sol Feinstone Elementary School, among others.
North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
In Lansdale, PA, a phased plan for additions and renovations to Knapp Elementary School is underway. This project has a complex phasing schedule in place so that classes can remain uninterrupted as the school year begins.
The first phases of the project included classroom renovations, many of which are complete. The remaining classroom renovations are underway at various stages.
The renovations to the core of the building, including the new entry, cafeteria, and LGI are ongoing. Steel and glulam beams are fully installed in all of these spaces. An important milestone, the completion of the main entrance, is fast approaching. This addition will act as the connector for the two parts of the school while the renovations to the core are underway. The students will be using the gymnasium as a temporary cafeteria this fall.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition, Visitor Side Bleacher, and Athletic Fields
In Springfield, PA, demolition work is speeding up. The existing Springfield High School is substantially demolished, the stone retaining wall construction is ongoing, and lot paving has begun for parking. After the completion of the existing high school’s demolition, work will begin on new athletic fields, turf fields, and tennis courts where the original school stood.
The visitor side bleacher construction is progressing and is expected to be completed in time for the first home football game at the new high school and stadium.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC)
In King of Prussia, PA, concrete slab placement at the new Regional Traffic Management Center has been completed on each floor. Waterproofing of the concrete footings is complete, the underground plumbing has been installed, and the steel column baseplates are in place.
The site retaining wall is complete, as is the majority of steel and decking. CMU installation in ongoing and interior metal stud framing has begun.
Upper Merion Area School District – New Upper Merion Area High School
Moving on down the road in King of Prussia, construction of the new Upper Merion Area High School continues. Structural steel framing for the major spaces is ongoing while the exterior envelope starts to give the building its form. Masons have been busy with brick work and CMU walls.
As concrete slabs are completed throughout the facility, MEP rough-in work continues closely behind. Activity on site recently picked up as carpenters started on the interior partitions.
Now that the underground tunnel is complete, the gym and pool areas are getting footings and foundations started.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovation
In Philadelphia, construction has moved quickly at Anne Frank Elementary School, with the addition complete in time for the new school year.
Community College of Philadelphia – New Career and Advanced Technology Center
Staying with construction projects in Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) for the Community College of Philadelphia is progressing nicely. All building trades have been working diligently on both the exterior and interior of the building, with the next major milestone being the completion of the building enclosure in the next few weeks.
The new CATC will offer excellent views of the Philadelphia Skyline. The project is on track for a February 2022 completion.
Bristol Township School District – Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Additions and Renovations
North of Philadelphia, demolition work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is complete and interior framing and stud work has started.
Additionally, site work for the new addition is in progress, with concrete footings now installed.
Council Rock School District – Hillcrest Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Heading north towards Council Rock School District, SG has wrapped up interior demolition at the Hillcrest Elementary School, with the kitchen, administration, toilets and library areas completely demolished. Rough in has started throughout for all trades.
During construction, Hillcrest Elementary School students will be temporarily moved to a vacant CRSD school for the upcoming school year. The project is moving ahead quickly with E&S controls and fencing already in place.
Council Rock School District – Sol Feinstone Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations
Staying in Council Rock School District, SG is working on phased renovations for another elementary school, Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Unlike Hillcrest, which will have students attending classes at a nearby vacant elementary school, Sol Feinstone will be 100% occupied throughout construction. This will result in the construction of temporary classrooms and a temporary egress stair that contains a pathway for students to safely traverse while the addition is underway.
The summer phases for this project are currently under construction, and interior and exterior demolition has recently started. E&S controls are in place and excavation for the new addition is currently underway. Pier footings and foundations at the new classroom addition are ongoing as well.
It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for East Pennsboro Area School District’s District Administration Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the District Administration Center for the East Pennsboro Area School District (EPASD) in Enola, PA on last month. The event celebrated the opening of the renovated and newly expanded district administration building that was completed this summer.
The ceremony almost went down without a hitch, but was slightly interrupted by a storm front that required the attendees to move the podium and tent inside for the ribbon cutting.
This project completes a three-year long construction plan to upgrade all of East Pennsboro Area School District facilities, including additions to the two elementary schools and renovations to the middle school and high school. With the mantra “warm, safe and dry“, this achievement well positions the district to serve the community for the next several decades, providing the required capacity for the projected enrollments, and healthy and safe environments for the students for many years to come.
SCHRADERGROUP is honored to be working with a great school district like EPASD. SG would also like to express our gratitude to the entire team, including SitelogIQ, for their contributions to the design and construction of this project.
Learn more about the East Pennsboro Area School District here.
SCHRADERGROUP Sponsors and Attends the 21st Annual MCIUEF Golf Classic
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation (MCIUEF)’s twenty-first annual Golf Classic hosted at the Brookside Country Club in Pottstown, PA on July 26th. The event raised funds to enhance and support educational opportunities for students of Montgomery County, PA.
SG was proud to be a Hole Patron Sponsor for this event. The team was happy to attend the event with some well-known faces of the Intermediate Unit. In addition to a great day of golf, the event included breakfast, lunch, skills contests, and prizes, with a reception following a beautiful day out on the course.
This year, the MCIUEF celebrates its 21st year of providing camp and post-secondary scholarships for students with special needs, enriching classroom programs with technology support, and enabling student programs beyond school district budget capabilities. This includes more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships awarded over the last 20 years.
Events like these are important to the success of a community and its students, as it allows the MCIUEF to support programs that continue to attract nearly 7,000 students each year. SG would like to thank the dedicated members of the foundation for organizing this fun event.
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work with Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and other School Districts in the region here.
Learn more about the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation here.
School District of Springfield Township, Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center Recognized for Outstanding Design by American School & University’s 2021 Educational Interiors Showcase
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that our recently completed project, the School District of Springfield Township’s Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center, has been recognized by yet another publication for its unique design aspects.
This time, the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center was recognized by American School & University (AS&U) Magazine’s Educational Interiors Showcase as an “Outstanding Design” in the Cafeteria / Food-Service Areas category.
American School and University (AS&U) is a magazine dedicated to the planning, design, construction, retrofit, operations, maintenance and management of education facilities. It is intended to showcase the latest trends, technologies and strategies that are driving educational facilities and the market.
AS&U honors educational design projects each year through multiple design competitions. One of these competitions is the Education Interiors Showcase, the premier competition honoring education interiors excellence. SG is honored to have the dining space of this unique facility recognized by this year’s showcase.
The Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center’s dining facility has two internal entrances from the main lobby and the learning stairs corridor (which leads to the classroom wings,) as well as an outside entrance directly adjacent to the bus drop off. The cafeteria has a partition separating it from the gymnasium that opens to allow for a larger space for performances, assemblies and after-school community events. This also allows the space to become accessible for public use with entry from the exterior after school hours.
Intentionally located directly adjacent to the outdoor recess area, students rotate from lunch in the dining space to outdoor play. Whether coming in for lunch from their classroom or after recess, handwashing stations allow for multiple students to wash their hands at a time. This has become critically useful during the pandemic to promote healthy hygiene.
The kitchen is also uniquely designed for this age group as an amenity to the dining commons. The serving line is on the same floor level as the cafeteria for the proper height for young students to navigate their trays. On the kitchen side of the serving line, the floor level is dropped in elevation so the adult staff can serve the students at a level of comfort relative to their height. Another attribute to the space is the ability to accommodate social distancing in this large flexible space.
SG is excited to have yet another feature recognized for this exciting project. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the School District of Springfield Township (SDST) and are honored to have this wonderful facility featured in this issue.
You can view the Education Interiors Showcase issue here.
Learn more about the Enfield K-2 Early Learning Center here.
SG is proud to have partnered with Springfield Township School District. Learn more about this amazing school district here.
SCHRADERGROUP’S Commitment to Mentoring the Next Generation
At SCHRADERGROUP (SG), we are dedicated to learning. This is evidenced by the numerous educational facilities and associated projects we have completed over our 17-year history. In addition to the work we do designing educational facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, SG employees go above and beyond to help the next generation of professionals excel in every way possible. One such method is mentoring.
The SG team is involved in a variety of mentoring programs at the University and K-12 level, including the Pennsylvania State University Stuckeman School of Architecture Alumni Mentoring Program, the ACE Mentor Program of America, and other collegiate and private mentoring opportunities.
Managing Partner David Schrader is a board member of the Penn State Architecture Alumni Group (AAG). President of the group from July 2018 until July 2020, David is now the official Stuckeman School AAG representative to the Arts and Architecture Alumni Society. He has dedicated much of his time to ensuring the success of PSU students by guiding them through the hurdles of the industry and helping forge new relationships with key connections after graduation.
Following in David’s footsteps, multiple SG team members have joined the mentoring program at the Stuckeman School as well. Project Architects Eric Weiss and Paige Geldrich have been involved for three years while Project Architect Jeremy Ross and Architectural Designers Selby Niumataiwalu and Tyler Corbley are currently participating in their first year of the program.
Project Architect Chris Farmer is also active in guiding students to a brighter future. Chris is an active participant in Jefferson University’s Career Services Department, meeting one-on-one with Jefferson students interested in Architecture.
Recently, the office opened its doors to several area high school students interested in the profession by providing them with a day in the office and then a tour of the New Upper Merion Area High School construction site. Recent graduate and rising architect Jillian Kreglow supported the in-office experience and Associate Dan D’Amico provided the on-site construction tour along with Chris Gehm of W. H. Lane. We hope that this experience inspires those students to start on the path of architecture as a possible future career!
In addition to the programs SG employees participate in, mentoring is also a key aspect of our daily life here at SG. Each year, we welcome summer interns to the company in order to promote and nurture emerging talent. At SG, we recognize the importance of an internship in this industry and have found that offering a mentorship component can lead to our interns gaining the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the future.
Learn more about the PSU Architecture Alumni Group here.
Interesting in working at SG? Visit our Careers page here.
SCHRADERGROUP Team Participates in PSU’s Architectural Alumni Group’s Summer Seminar Series Panel
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently participated in a virtual seminar panel for Pennsylvania State University’s College of Arts and Architecture’s Architectural Alumni Group (AAG) and the Stuckeman School of Architecture. The School sponsors several summer seminars each year in order to help architecture students and recent alumni understand all aspects of the business of architecture and profession.
The second installment of this year’s summer seminar series was focused on “The Practice of Architecture.” Managing Partner David Schrader was a panelist for the event, joined by other notable fellow PSU Architecture Alumni. Attendees included our summer interns Dan Pawluczyk and Leah Balderson.
The seminar dealt with topics such as licensure, maintaining a practice, non-traditional career paths, and handling a work/life balance. SG is proud to continue supporting the schools and organizations that helped us become who we are. We are thrilled to have participated in this discussion for rising architects, and we look forward to the next seminar series event.
To learn more about Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School, please click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP, please click here.
Be sure to follow SG on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all things SCHRADERGROUP!
Springfield School District’s New Springfield High School is Complete!
The SCHRADERGROUP (SG) team, in association with our design partner Perkins&Will of Chicago, is happy to announce that Springfield School District’s new Springfield High School is now complete!
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Constructed on the southeast corner of the existing high school’s campus, the goal of the new facility is to provide the school district with a complex that will serve the community for the next 50 years. Perkins&Will and SG provided programming, planning and design services for the new high school complex that encompasses 230,000 SF on a 25-acre campus. The school will immediately serve over 1,450 students.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Consistent with the SG mission of creating next generation learning environments, the new high school employs an Academy Model that provides offerings in Art, Business, STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Humanities and Liberal Arts. The new facility includes an interior courtyard for outdoor learning as well as for gathering and common space. Unique to the facility is its inclusion of the District Administration within the structure of the facility.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Beyond the high school and District Administration, the project includes the design and construction of new site amenities, including the athletic fields, parking, and a stadium complex. Next up, SG will be engaged in the demolition of the existing high school, which will then lead to the construction of additional playing fields.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
The SG team is pleased to partner with Springfield School District on this wonderful project. To learn more about Springfield School District, click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
This project was completed in association with design architects Perkins&Will of Chicago, IL and the owner project representative CID Group of Berwick, PA. To learn more about Perkins&Will, click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
To learn more about the New Springfield High School project, and view more photos, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
Thank you to Halkin | Mason Photography for the beautiful images captured of this great project. To learn more about Halkin | Mason Photography, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Todd Mason from Halkin | Mason Photography.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials’ Annual Golf Outing!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the DVASBO Golf Outing at the Gilbertsville Golf Course on Friday, June 18th in Gilbertsville, PA. The Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials (DVASBO) has held this outing for 31 consecutive years to help raise money for scholarships for Delaware Valley students.
DVASBO is the regional chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). For nearly five decades, DVASBO has been supporting school professionals in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The organization currently has over 1,000 members and they are devoted to providing members with education, training, professional development and timely access to legislative and policy news.
SG Principal Tom Forsberg attended the event with the next generation of SCHRADERGROUP golfers, Project Managers and Associates Devin Bradbury and Dan D’Amico and Project Architect Jeremy Ross. It was a beautiful day for golf and the course was filled with great friends and colleagues!
SCHRADERGROUP was proud to be a tee sponsor for this long running event whose mission is to help develop and support school business operation leaders. The SG team would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated members of DVASBO for organizing this event held for a great cause. We look forward to future events involving these great organizations!
To learn more about SCHRADERGRPOUP’s commitment to educational facilities, click here.
To learn more about the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – Summer 2021
As we move into the middle of summer, many of our construction projects are now really starting to take shape. A few of the construction projects underway include the new Upper Merion Area High School, additions and renovations to Anne Frank Elementary School for the School District of Philadelphia, the new Career and Advanced Technology Center for the Community College of Philadelphia, the masonry restoration of the Paul L. Dunbar School in Philadelphia, the demolition of the existing Springfield High School, and the PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center, among others.
Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School, New Facility
Construction on the new Upper Merion Area High School continues into the heat of the summer. Infrastructure is being installed and is on pace for a September 2022 completion, just in time for Upper Merion Area School District high school students to start their new school year. Upon completion of and move into the new facility, demolition of the existing facility will begin. Once that demolition is complete, new playing fields will be constructed in its place.
This month, large Glulam Beams continue to be erected in the common areas. In the theater wing, the steel is in place for the stage as the auditorium takes shape.
School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovations
Work on the Anne Frank Elementary School continues in Northeast Philadelphia. Metal panels have been installed on 75% of the new construction areas while the glass and glazing installation is 50% complete.
Acoustic ceiling tile and vinyl composite tile installation continues while the walls are being painted. Ceramic tile flooring has started in the toilet rooms as well. A new feature this month are the railings being installed in the new stairways.
Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, New Facility
The Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) is progressing in West Philadelphia. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing rough-ins continue at the interior wall and ceiling level and fire protection systems will follow.
Masonry work continues as well as exterior and interior metal framing. The building enclosure systems are expected to be completed by end of summer or early fall.
Recently, the on-grade concrete slabs were completed on the first floor. This project is scheduled for a February 2022 completion.
School District of Philadelphia – Paul L. Dunbar School, Restoration
Another School District of Philadelphia school project that is wrapping up is the restoration to the Paul L. Dunbar School. The outdated building exterior was in poor shape, with deteriorated masonry around the parapet of the building.
The restoration includes the installation of galvanized steel inlets to replace the rusted ungalvanized ones, the rebuilding of masonry, and the repointing of mortar joints. The project is a restoration of a beautiful WPA funded school. Substantial completion is expected by end of summer.
Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition and Visitor Side Bleacher Construction
In Springfield, PA, the new Springfield High School has just been completed. Demolition of the existing High School has begun and is on schedule for completion at the end of the summer.
The Visitor Side Bleacher building footing and foundations have recently been completed. Next up are the masonry walls and door frames as well as site work grading for the athletic fields and tennis courts.
Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure, New Facilities
The new PennDOT Regional Traffic Management Center in King of Prussia is progressing nicely, with the continued forming of concrete footings and foundation walls. SG serves as the design component of the Heim Construction Design-Build team for this project. At the accompanying parking garage, work has been completed.
It is always exciting to watch our design work become reality! We would like to thank our clients, consultants, contractors, and all other team members for your dedication and support of the on-going efforts for these projects!
Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!