When it comes to renovating a property, many think of changing the paint, lighting, and the flooring. Yet, there is more to the process. There are three levels of renovation: minor, intermediate, and intense. A minor renovation is making cosmetic changes to a space, which involves paint, fixtures, and flooring. A step up from this level is intermediate, in which the space is transformed by removing and/or replacing built-in features, such as cabinets, counters, and shelves. The third level, intense, is the complete gutting of a space and is often done in historic buildings. Empire Services is working on a project of this caliber at Lincoln University in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania.
The renovation is underway in Vail Memorial Hall on the north end of the campus. The original portion of the existing building dates to 1898 by noted architect Addison Hutton. A 1953 addition to the 1898 structure was completely removed and will be replaced with a new addition, which complements the original portion of the building. Empire began the project with the removal of the structural steel beams pocketed into the exterior walls of the 1898 structure. We utilized specialty equipment to reach the beams and torched them off at the building to remain. We then chipped around the remaining steel stubs to fully remove the steel pocketed into the original structure.
Once completed, Empire will take part in the removal of the third-floor floor structure. The removal includes the flooring finishes, subflooring, steel joists, and steel columns. The goal is to create a high-ceilinged conference room. Scaffolding will be set up on the second floor to aid in the removal of the third floor, board by board and beam by beam. The crew will torch off the steel stubs as they are pocketed into the exterior wall like the 1953 addition. Also, they will be removing the entire basement slab and six inches of soil to increase the ceiling height. Work in the basement was already completed where they removed water-damaged plaster caused by leaking windows.
Although Empire has renovated many academic buildings, Vail Memorial Hall is unique due to its historical significance and the use of hand demolition to protect the original part of the building. This project is ongoing, and we cannot wait until the renovation is completed. Contact us today to learn how your next project can benefit from our experience and quality workmanship!
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