SCHRADERGROUP Project to be Featured in 2014 Justice Facilities Review

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that one of the firm’s recent projects, the new Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) State Emergency Operations Center, will be featured in the 2014 Justice Facilities Review (JFR), published each fall by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice.  The new facility, designed by SG in a joint venture with AECOM, was chosen as an example of best practices in planning and design in Emergency Management and Operations Facilities.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), located in Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, provides dedicated emergency services and disaster assistance for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the ability to sustain uninterrupted operations during activations.  The 145,000 SF facility additionally houses the administrative functions for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) as well as partner organizations and integrated functions such as the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Traffic Management, a Tier 3 data center, media briefing, training facilities, and protected storage for PEMA operations vehicles.

Firm managing partner and lead designer for the project, David Schrader, commented, “Designing a building that meets all security and survivability requirements for a facility of this type, while at the same time providing sufficient space and functionality for all users along with an attractive interior and exterior, undeniably was a challenge.  We are pleased with the outcome and extremely proud of the recognition by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice.”

Recently featured on a local news station, the new facility presently is under construction, with completion slated for spring of 2015.