Category: Uncategorized
SCHRADERGROUP Studio Attends Reading School District’s High School Innovation Academy Ribbon-Cutting
The SCHRADERGROUP Studio (SG), along with students, staff, and community members, excitedly gathered at the entrance of the new Reading High School Innovation Academy for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. A vibrant Reading-red ribbon adorned the front doors of the new school. Remarks from elected officials and school leaders displayed great pride in their community and excitement for the new high school. The speakers included CFO Wayne Gehris, Superintendent Dr. Khalid Mumin, Board President Noahleen Betts, School officials Wanda Gonzalez-Crespo, JuliAnne Kline, Dr. Portia Slaughter, Jessica DiBlasi, and Amanda Helm, alongside STEMbassadors Mosiah Sanchez and Grislady Jimenez.
Situated in the heart of Reading, the new Innovation Academy represents a next-generation learning center. As the designer, SG considered the curriculum to inform the school’s layout and functionality, incorporating the Career Pathways: Engineering & Design, Computer Science/Information Technology, Health & Biomedical Science, and STEM in Human Services. The result is a facility that prioritizes hands-on, experiential learning where technology, flexibility, and innovation have real-world application for the students’ career pathways.
The SG team recognized the facility ultimately belongs to the Reading community, which is why we designed WITH the students and FOR the students. The students’ input is evident in the buildings dynamic design, specialized classrooms, labs, and collaboration spaces, and the expansive views of their city, reinforcing a sense of pride and place.
Visitors went on student-led tours after the ribbon-cutting. Upon entering, they were welcomed by a bright, open space with a grand staircase at the center. Interior glass partitions let in light and promote cross-collaboration between spaces. The design intentionally departs from traditional school environments, replacing enclosed corridors with spaces that inspire creativity and innovation.
The Innovation Academy prepares to welcome its first class in the 2026–27 school year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony stands as a pivotal milestone that represents the transformation of the community’s vision into a fully materialized environment that will support many generations of learners.
Check out the following videos posted by Reading School District:
- Construction phase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIp4ZSC-IKc
- Q&A with the STEMbassadors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkQ6pfudMs0&t=16s
And video footage of the ribbon-cutting, courtesy of Berks Weekly:
Alvernia University: American House Press Release and Wall Breaking Ceremony
HCM’s SCHRADERGROUP Studio (SG) is excited to have celebrated Alvernia University’s Wall Breaking Ceremony for the American House rehabilitation and renovation project in Reading, PA, last month in February.
Photo by Sarah Matarella.
The American House, a historic landmark in downtown Reading, PA, was originally constructed in 1856 as a premier 4-story hotel and later converted to office space in the 20th century. After years of neglect, the building was acquired by Alvernia University for redevelopment into a multi-purpose facility serving the university and its affiliate tenants.
SG was entrusted with revitalizing the building, balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. The project included restoring lost hotel features, such as repurposing original entry doors to create a donor wall, and addressing critical architectural updates.
Key improvements included:
• Roof and window replacement, matching historical trim and muntin patterns
• Façade restoration and documentation of collapsed elements
• Upgrades to ADA accessibility, security systems, and elevators
• Enhanced building envelope for energy efficiency
SG executed a full interior demolition to assess and address structural damage, followed by a comprehensive fit-out to accommodate diverse uses, including a medical suite, office spaces, a display kitchen, community room, café, lecture halls, and a business incubator for the O’Pake Institute’s expansion. New elements included custom millwork, upgraded finishes, and advanced technology integration.
As the owner’s representative, SG guided all façade alterations through the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) to ensure compliance with preservation standards. The design aimed to honor the building’s historical significance while creating a vibrant space for community and educational engagement. Working closely with a consultant team, SG developed detailed budgets to bring the university’s vision to life.
Below is the Press Release Alvernia University publicly released last month on the project.
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Alvernia selects design and build team for American House at Reading CollegeTowne project
Advancing historic rehabilitation and phased interior renovations at 354 Penn St.
Reading, Pa. (Feb. 11, 2026)— Alvernia University selects SCHRADERGROUP Studio architect and Heim Construction Co. as general contractor for the American House at Reading CollegeTowne project, a phased rehabilitation of the historic, 45,000-square-foot building at 354 Penn St.
“American House is a key part of our CollegeTowne footprint and showcases our commitment to serving the Reading community through access, opportunity and partnerships,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “With SCHRADERGROUP and Heim Construction on board, we’re moving this project forward in a way that honors a historic building while creating welcoming, modern spaces for community health and student learning.”
Construction is underway, with demo work beginning in late 2025. Phase 1 exterior rehabilitation and the John Paul II Center for Special Learning tenant space are scheduled for completion in May 2026, followed by first- and second-floor work planned through December 2026 and overall occupancy anticipated in March 2027.
SCHRADERGROUP Principal Harry Pettoni will lead design for the project with construction administration led by Marcie Sorber. Heim Construction Co. President Roy Heim will oversee construction, supported by Project Manager Rory Donly. Alvernia invited seven general contractors to bid on the project.
“American House is a special project because it blends careful historic rehabilitation with spaces that will serve people every day,” said SCHRADERGROUP Principal Harry Pettoni. “Our team is focused on honoring the building’s character while creating welcoming, functional environments that support health, learning and community connection.”
The phased scope includes:
• Phase 1: exterior rehabilitation, restoration and conservation and the John Paul II Center for Special Learning tenant space.
• Phase 2: first- and second-floor renovations including the Berks Community Health Center, community room, healthy eating space, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy room, and other retail spaces.
• Final phase: O’Pake Institute space and future tenant areas.
The building is located in Reading’s Callowhill Historic District and plans were reviewed and approved by the city’s Historical Architectural Review Board.
“This project is complex, phased and mission-driven, and we’re proud to partner with Alvernia on a build that strengthens downtown Reading,” said Heim Construction Co. President Roy Heim. “We’re committed to quality workmanship, clear coordination and responsible scheduling so the university and its partners can begin serving the community in these new spaces.”
American House will include a state-of-the-art community-based health center in partnership with Berks Community Health Center, offering primary care and wrap-around services such as mental health services, nutrition and wellness education, financial literacy education, social services assistance and warm hand-off referrals. The site will also host clinical experiential learning for Alvernia students, with BCHC projected to serve more than 2,000 unduplicated individuals during the first year of operation. The American House project is part of Phase III of Alvernia’s CollegeTowne initiative, which is designed to drive economic growth and community revitalization through strategic downtown investment. Alvernia launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. Since its launch, Alvernia has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing a total of $60+ million into the City of Reading by purchasing and renovating the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street.
A wall-breaking event is scheduled for February 25, 2026.
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About Alvernia University
Founded in 1958, Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its mission-driven, community-engaged education that prepares students for high-impact, high-earning careers. Its SOLAR culture of care supports student success across eastern Pennsylvania through flexible program offerings, including an online presence, and strong partnerships. More than 18,000 Alvernia alumni create a network of ethical leaders and engaged citizens. For more information, visit www.alvernia.edu
Project Highlight: Westwynd Gardens
SCHRADERGROUP Studio (SG) had the unique opportunity to design a new event venue used primarily for weddings, corporate events, and photoshoots. Nestled in a valley in Chester County, Westwynd Gardens sits upon 26 acres surrounded by rolling hills and greenery. In the Spring of this year, Westwynd Gardens opened its doors to the public and has already hosted several events since.
The venue features a variety of spaces for guests to enjoy different activities, from receptions to dinner and dancing. The design incorporates a banquet hall, greenhouse, and renovated historic storage barn on the grounds. The original historic structure on the site was relocated approximately 300 yards to a more opportune location on the property.
Standing two stories tall with high cathedral ceilings, the spacious banquet hall boasts steel framing and exposed timber beams. The gable end window wall allows copious amounts of daylight to flood the space. The hall fits up to 250 people comfortably, with ample room leftover for a dancefloor.
The lobby serves as a space where guests can relax or attend a cocktail hour around the exposed stone fireplace. Upstairs, the hall features dedicated spaces for bridal parties to get ready.
The greenhouse is just a few steps away from the banquet hall, featuring a full glass enclosure for indoor ceremonies & events. Rain, snow, or shine, the greenhouse features full weather coverage and heat for the colder seasons. The greenhouse overlooks the gardens, firepit, and pond. Chandeliers and string lights add to the space’s welcoming design.
The SG team is thrilled to see community members already booking the venue for their special events!
Design Team:
Developer: Hankin Group
Architecture: SCHRADERGROUP
Landscape Architecture: Carter van Dyke Associates, Inc.
Structural Engineer: SCHRADERGROUP
MEP Engineer: Barton Associates
Civil Engineer: D.L. Howell & Associates, Inc.
Alex Schon Photography
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes Our Summer Interns!
The SCHRADERGROUP Studio is excited to welcome our summer 2025 interns! This year’s interns are Tim Figueroa, Gavin Gallagher, Eladia Crowell, and Cooper Schrader. The interns will shadow our team members and assist with projects throughout the course of their internships in order to immerse themselves within the architecture world and gain a clearer sense of what the career path may hold. The members of our Internal Mentorship Committee have assigned each intern an overarching project to be completed throughout the course of the summer as well as various smaller tasks in an effort to foster individual growth and bolster industry knowledge.
Tim is a fifth-year student at Thomas Jefferson University studying Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Design. Tim is also a part of various organizations at school including American Institute of Architecture Students, Latin American Student Organization, and National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. Additionally, he was recently awarded the CMAA Mid-Atlantic Conference Rising Star Scholarship in addition to the American Airlines Education Scholarship that he has held for the past four years.
Gavin is a fifth-year student at the Pennsylvania State University studying Architectural Engineering, specializing in the structural option. This upcoming school year he plans on obtaining a minor in Japanese Language Studies. At school, Gavin is involved in AE teams as well as the Engineering Peer Advisor program.
Eladia is a fourth-year student at Thomas Jefferson University studying Interior Design with a minor in Photography. Eladia is involved in her school’s American Institute of Architecture Students chapter as well as their International Interior Design Association chapter where she has been able to attend multiple meetings and firm tours to enhance her knowledge of the industry. Eladia has also had the privilege of being a mentor to other design students at school which has allowed her to develop crucial skills necessary in company culture.
Cooper is a fourth-year student at the Pennsylvania State University studying Finance with a certificate in Real Estate Analysis and Development. In addition to his business studies, Cooper is actively involved on campus through the Business Fraternity, Phi Gamma Nu, as well as Smeal Student Mentors. This past spring he studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic where he was able to gain valuable experience in the realm of intercultural communication and its relation to business.
We look forward to passing on a wide variety of knowledge and experience to our interns as well as seeing the new and exciting ideas that they will bring to the firm.
SCHRADERGROUP Places in Two Building Design + Construction Top Architecture Firm Rankings
Building Design + Construction (BD+C) released their 2024 Giants 400 Rankings for K-12 School and University Building Architecture Firms. In the K-12 School ranking, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) placed 52 out of 160, and in the University Building ranking, SG placed 161 out of 180. We are honored to earn this recognition knowing we are in great company amongst other esteemed firms across the nation.
The Giants 400 Rankings Report celebrates architectural firms across the country every year, recognizing design and construction firms in multiple sectors.
BD+C is a media platform dedicated to sharing the latest news about design and construction processes in the commercial, institutional, industrial, and multifamily building industries across all design and construction professions.
Learn more about SG’s projects here.
To view BD+C’s Giants 400 Top K-12 School Architecture Firms of 2024, click here and for the Top University Building Architecture Firms of 2024, click here.
Cover Story: Community College of Philadelphia Career and Advanced Technology Center Recognized by Learning by Design Magazine
In collaboration with Lavallee Brensinger Architects, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is proud to announce that Learning by Design magazine has recognized our project, the Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) with a Citation of Excellence and has elected to feature the project on the cover of the Fall 2024 issue. We are thrilled to have another project recognized for its innovative approach to next-generation learning space design and planning.
Learning By Design is a prestigious publication highlighting exemplary educational design and construction projects. Facilities are evaluated based on innovation, responsiveness to community needs, interior design, sustainability, functionality, and support for next-generation learning. Published three times a year, the magazine features outstanding K-12 and higher education projects and the architecture firms behind them.
The CATC project was designed to provide students with high-quality academic, career, and technical programs tailored to support individuals entering the region’s workforce. Our primary objective was to create a dynamic, identity-driven center that offers an ideal environment for mastering the latest technologies in rapidly evolving industries such as healthcare and technical trades. This three-story, 75,000-square-foot facility houses state-of-the-art adaptive technologies for instructional spaces, study areas, and laboratory service bays for automobiles, large vehicles, and stationary/small engine equipment.
You can explore the Fall 2024 issue of Learning by Design here, with the CCP CATC project featured on the cover and page 158.
For more information on the Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center project, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Recognized as EPiC Firm by AIA Pennsylvania for the Third Year!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is thrilled to announce that the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recognized our firm as we continue our commitment to the growth and development of emerging professionals in 2024. The AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professionals Committee (EPiC) was created to enhance emerging professionals’ network, role, and influence throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This year marks SG’s third distinction, acknowledging our consistent support of emerging professionals and our dedication to advancing the careers of Pennsylvania’s future architects.
We are grateful to AIA Pennsylvania for this continued recognition. SG remains dedicated to supporting emerging talent and committed to creating next-generation facilities that make a difference.
To learn more about joining SCHRADERGROUP, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes Our Newest Project Manager, John Evans
With nearly two decades in the industry, John Evans brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Project Manager. His central responsibilities at SG include overseeing complex projects through every phase, from planning and development to construction documentation. John is directly involved in SG’s K-12 and Higher Education Market, focusing on the academic and spatial needs of students and staff. When it comes to leading multi-disciplinary teams, John coordinates them skillfully and efficiently, building a sense of community and collaboration. John also helps advance SG’s business development and interface with clients and consultants. He excels at fostering relationships and ensures a seamless, successful product while fulfilling the client’s goals. John maintains clear communication at each step of the process to establish trust and satisfaction.
Before joining SG, John learned and refined his work at other design firms by collaborating with clients and consultants, working alongside general contractors throughout pre-construction and construction, and ultimately managing numerous successful on-time and on-schedule projects from inception to completion. In addition, John has previously served as the Project Manager for a wide range of commercial and residential projects. John earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Drexel University and has worked on projects across thirteen different states.
Welcome to the team, John! All of us at SG are excited to have you on board.
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes the Newest Member of Our Mission Critical Team, Craig Schulz
We welcome Craig Schulz to SCHRADERGROUP (SG) as the newest member of our Mission Critical Facility team. He has thirty years of experience in the Public Safety market with expertise in critical infrastructure design, disaster recovery planning, and continuity-of-operations management.
Craig’s background makes him an ideal liaison and interface between SG and both our Owner/Clients and the specialty consulting firms with whom we work. Moreover, his knowledge of, and experience with, the grant processes is a valuable resource to stakeholders as they seek project funding sources.
In his role here at SG, Craig will manage Mission Critical projects from inception through planning, oversee construction document production, and have an integral role in the construction administration process. More specifically to the construction process, Craig will be the coordinator for technology integration into these new facilities.
Craig is based in our Raleigh, NC office, and will support our Mission Critical Facility endeavors nationwide. He is a true asset to SG; we are thrilled to have him on our team and for the opportunity to offer his vast resume to our current and future clientele.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends Stuckeman Career Day at Penn State University
Each year, SCHRADERGROUP (SG) supports students by fostering relationships and offering mentorship opportunities at Pennsylvania State University’s (PSU) Stuckeman School Career Day. This event caters specifically to the architecture, engineering, and design community at PSU. The career fair provides a platform for students and professionals to connect through internship programs and alumni speaking engagements.
SG team members and PSU alumni, Eric Weiss, Jillian Kreglow, and Paige Faria informed hundreds of curious students about our projects, internship opportunities, and all things architecture, engineering, and design. The SG team always finds fulfillment in connecting with the next generation of young professionals.
Additionally, Paige Faria lectured on “Ten Steps to Get a Job,” and outlined tips and tricks for a successful career day and how our mentorship program benefits participating students.
We at SG are always grateful for the opportunity to interact with and inspire students and others in the architecture, engineering, and design community.
Photography provided by Magill Mae Williams