Tag: Philadelphia

SCHRADERGROUP Announces Newly Registered Architect

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that another one of our Designers has successfully passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and is now a Registered Architect in the state of New York.

We would like to congratulate Christopher Farmer, AIA, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP on becoming the latest registered architect at SG. Chris is a graduate of Philadelphia University (now known as Jefferson University) and has made considerable strides at the firm working on a variety of projects in the education and public safety sectors. Chris works in the Philadelphia office.

In addition to the valuable work Chris performs in the office, he also helps with mentoring SG summer interns as well undergraduate students through Jefferson University’s Career Services Department. We welcome his architectural registration as another in a line of upcoming accomplishments for this young architect. Chris had recently passed his WELL AP exam as well.

“We are pleased to continue the tradition of moving such talented individuals through the internship process to become registered architects!” said David Schrader, Managing Partner of SCHRADERGROUP.

Interested in joining the SG team? Check out what opportunities are available for you here.

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.

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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.

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!

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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

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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.

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The first phases of the project included classroom renovations, many of which are complete. The remaining classroom renovations are underway at various stages.

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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.

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Springfield School District – Springfield High School, Existing High School Demolition, Visitor Side Bleacher, and Athletic Fields

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Upper Merion Area School District – New Upper Merion Area High School

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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.

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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.

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Now that the underground tunnel is  complete, the gym and pool areas are getting footings and foundations started.

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School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovation

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In Philadelphia, construction has moved quickly at Anne Frank Elementary School, with the addition complete in time for the new school year.

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Community College of Philadelphia – New Career and Advanced Technology Center

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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.

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The new CATC will offer excellent views of the Philadelphia Skyline. The project is on track for a February 2022 completion.

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Bristol Township School District – Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Additions and Renovations

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North of Philadelphia, demolition work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School is complete and interior framing and stud work has started.

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Additionally, site work for the new addition is in progress, with concrete footings now installed.

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Council Rock School District – Hillcrest Elementary Schools, Additions and Renovations

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 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 Facility1-Upper-Merion_Area-High-School_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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.

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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.

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School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School, Additions and Renovations1-Anne-Frank-Elementary-School_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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.

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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.

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Community College of Philadelphia – Career and Advanced Technology Center, New Facility1-Community-College-of-Philadelphia_Career-Advanced-Technoloy-Center_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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.

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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.

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Recently, the on-grade concrete slabs were completed on the first floor. This project is scheduled for a February 2022 completion.

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School District of Philadelphia – Paul L. Dunbar School, Restoration1-Paul-L-Dunbar-School-SDP_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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.

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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 Construction1-Springfield-High-School-Demolition_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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.

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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 Facilities1-PennDOT-District-6.0-Regional-Traffic-Management-Center-RTMC_SCHRADERGROUP_May-Construction-Progress

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!

SCHRADERGROUP Announces Newly Registered Architects

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is pleased to announce that two of our Designers have successfully passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and are now Registered Architects in Pennsylvania.

We would like to congratulate Paige Geldrich, AIA, LEED Green Associate and Jeremy Ross, AIA on becoming the latest registered architects at SG. Both Paige and Jeremy are Pennsylvania State University graduates who have made significant contributions to the firm since joining. They are both experts in Revit Documentation and have proven themselves invaluable to the firm for their expertise in the rendering and visualization of projects. Both Paige and Jeremy are located in the Philadelphia office.

“Our firm takes pride in supporting the evolution of our newly registered architects. Both Paige and Jeremy were summer interns who later became full time members of the team upon graduation. We are pleased to watch their growth and look forward to their continued success and contributions to the firm and to the profession!” said David Schrader, FAIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner of SCHRADERGROUP.

You can view the AIA Philadelphia Chapter’s Member News article here.

Interested in joining the SG team? Check out what opportunities are available for you here.

SCHRADERGROUP Construction Progress – March 2021

2021 has been off to quite a busy start here at SCHRADERGROUP! The team has been working diligently on multiple projects in both the K-12 and Public Safety markets, including Upper Merion Area High School, Chatham County (NC) Emergency Operations Center, Anne Frank Elementary School, Knapp Elementary School, the East Pennsboro Area School District’s Administration Office, and the PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center and Parking Structure.

With the weather improving recently, construction progress has been speeding up! See below for details on each of these exciting projects.

Upper Merion Area School District – Upper Merion Area High School

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This month, the site finally started to dry out. Structural steel is being erected and the site was buzzing with activity!

Chatham County, North Carolina – Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

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Early site work has been moving along on this North Carolina EOC project. The pond construction, on-site water, and rough grading over the culvert are all complete while off-site water and road grading remains ongoing.

The School District of Philadelphia – Anne Frank Elementary School

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In Philadelphia, construction continues on the Anne Frank Elementary School. The concrete slabs are completed, and the CMU work is coming close behind. Both interior and exterior metal stud work is in progress.

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North Penn School District – Knapp Elementary School

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Phase 1 of Knapp Elementary School’s renovations and additions is nearly complete! An 8-classroom addition that includes a new bus entry canopy and vestibule will provide the swing space for the remainder of the renovation work. Demolition is set to start for the next phase, which will create a brand new Dining Commons, Large Group Instruction space, and secure entry.

East Pennsboro Area School District (EPASD) – District Administration Office

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Up near Harrisburg, the District Administration Office for EPASD is coming along nicely. The exterior steel for the addition is complete and the concrete slab was poured last week. Interior stud work is currently in progress.

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Department of General Services – PennDOT District 6.0 Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) and Parking Structure

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Back in Philly, the PennDOT RTMC building is off and running. The first section of retaining wall footing is being constructed and the grading for the building pad is underway.

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The activity at the parking structure is bustling as well. Steel installation at the stair towers is complete and rebar has been installed at the stair landing in preparation for concrete pours. CMU wall installation is underway as well as stud framing, HM door installation, and the sealing of vertical joints.

 

We are so excited to see these designs finally coming to reality! Thank you to our wonderful consultants and partners, particularly Heim Construction, Bala Consulting Engineers and Alfred Benesch & Company in their great work with PennDOT.

Learn more about these and other exciting SCHRADERGROUP projects here!

Community College of Philadelphia Breaks Ground on New Career and Advanced Technology Center

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the official ceremonial groundbreaking for the Community College of Philadelphia’s new Career and Advanced Technology Center on Wednesday, November 18th. Managing Partner David Schrader represented SG at the event which was also attended by Mayor Jim Kenney and the College’s president, Dr. Donald Generals.

As part of its mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia, the College selected SCHRADERGROUP, in partnership with Lavallee Brensinger Architects, to transform the college’s West Philadelphia Regional Center into a new Career and Advanced Technology Center. The center will provide high-quality academic, career and technical programs for student’s entering the region’s workforce.

The main goal of the project was to create a dynamic, identity-focused center that provides students with programs that concentrate on career readiness and to generate a thriving workforce in Philadelphia’s transportation, manufacturing and healthcare fields.

The new 75,000 SF facility will include state-of-the-art advanced and adaptive technologies for instructional space and study areas as well as laboratory service bays for automobiles, small engine equipment and spaces for diesel technology. Programs offered include transportation and logistics technology training, advanced manufacturing training, entry-level healthcare career training and an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Other notable features of the facility include LEED certification, energy efficient design utilizing copious amounts of natural daylight, green rooftops for students and community members, a second-floor patio and adjoining room for events, and a learning commons and multiple conference rooms for student collaboration.

The facility is scheduled to open in 2022.

SG is honored to work on this exciting project. To learn more, click here.

To learn more about the Community College of Philadelphia, click here.

SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes The New Public Safety Market Segment Leader!

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) Welcomes our new Public Safety Market Segment Leader, Timothy Lisle, AIA.

Mr. Lisle joins the SG team with a history of directing mission-critical practice. His work has included the programming, planning and design of a wide range of public safety facilities for government and corporate clients across the United States. Tim regularly speaks at national conferences and has published multiple columns in mission-critical and law enforcement journals.

Mr. Lisle holds a Bachelor’s degree in both Architecture and Science and is a registered architect in six states. He is an affiliate of the AIA, PSAP Design, NENA, Lower Merion Township Uniform Construction Code Appeals Board and is also a visiting architectural critic at both Drexel University and Temple University.

Mr. Lisle’s expertise, extensive experience and 35 years of practice in this field make him a valuable leader for SG’s public safety design team. Please join us in welcoming Tim Lisle to our Public Safety Leadership.

Interested in joining the SG team? Check out what opportunities are available at SG for you here.

SCHRADERGROUP Mentors Springfield High School Students through the ACE Program

SCHRADERGROUP (SG) volunteered to mentor Springfield School District (SSD)’s Springfield High School students as well as students from other school districts through the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia. The ACE Mentor Program is an after-school program structured for students to learn about careers in the construction industry directly from professionals in architecture, construction and engineering.

Jeremy Ross, Associate AIA represented SG and led the session by introducing his role as the project architect of SSD’s new Springfield High School. The students were enthusiastic to learn about their school district’s new 25-acre high school campus which is currently under construction. Jeremy presented an overview of the concept, design development and construction process for the new Springfield High School complex. He then answered questions and explained the relationship between architects, engineers and contractors.

SG is appreciative of the ACE program for providing the SSD Springfield High School students with this unique opportunity to see the new Springfield High School project from the architect’s point-of-view.

Learn more about the new Springfield High School project which is being completed in association with Perkins + Will here.

SCHRADERGROUP Architect Volunteers with Vetri Cooking Lab

SCHRADERGROUP’s Project Architect, Kelly Ryan, AIA, volunteered her time with Vetri Community Partnership (VCP): Vetri Cooking Lab.

Vetri Cooking Lab is an after-school time program that combines cooking, nutrition education and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) core concepts.

This 10-week curriculum-based program engages 4th through 6th–grade students, using recipes to teach important nutrition lessons (like whole vs. processed foods), the importance of breakfast, reading nutrition labels, added sugar, food marketing and more.

Below we asked Kelly why she did the Cooking Lab and what her experience with VCP and the kids she mentored was like.

The kids drew a portrait of Ms. Kelly

SG: How did you find this program?

Kelly: I learned about this program from a neighbor who works for VCP.

SG: Is this your first time volunteering with them?

Kelly: Yes, this was my first semester with VCP, but I plan to continue in the future.

SG: What made you want to do this program? Did you have any programs with mentors or volunteers that inspired you to do this?

Kelly: My architectural thesis centered on creating a network of localized food growers and community education centers to alleviate urban food deserts. At the time of my research, over 2/3 of Americans were overweight or obese and one cause was attributed to limited access to fresh, healthy foods. Programs like Vetri Cooking Lab provide hands on nutrition education and culinary skills to equip children with the knowledge and ability and create healthy habits. I wanted to be a part of VCP’s “Eat. Educate. Empower.” slogan.

SG: What do you think you offered to the kids in the program? Did they offer you anything? (knowledge or experience wise)

Kelly: Outside of teaching them basic kitchen skills, I hope I offered myself as a confident, female role model and an open ear to listen to their daily successes and concerns. It was rewarding to see the kids build their skill sets from class to class, like watching them cut an onion week 1 vs. week 10, and discover the thrill of using an immersion blender. Our Tuesday class was always a Top 10 highlight to my week.

SG: Are there any programs that you are interested in getting involved with in the future?

Kelly: I plan to continue volunteering with Vetri Cooking Lab in the future!

At SCHRADERGROUP, our purpose to give back to the community is our genuine focus in all of our work–inside the office and out.

Read more about VCP and get involved here.