Alvernia University has selected design and build team including RLPS Architects and Warfel Construction to remodel and retrofit a building at 401 Penn Street in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania.
The building, which was recently acquired by the University, will act as the centrepiece of Reading CollegeTowne, a new strategy to expand the campus in the downtown area and to continue its Franciscan mission of education, service and community engagement.
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In total, three design and build teams participated in the bidding process, which included meetings with senior leadership, affected university departments and internal community through open forums.
Alvernia University President John Loyack said: “We reviewed proposals from three of the best design and build teams in the area, and the RLPS and Warfel team stood out with the best overall design and the lowest-cost approach in addition to their expertise in adapting for grant requirements.
“Securing this team allows us to move into the agreement stage of the design to build process, making Alvernia’s expansion into downtown Reading one step away from reality.”
The RLPS and Warfel team was selected as their proposal is claimed to have included a better overall design, with high modular approach and it fits best with the university and project vision, offering the highest ability value-engineer the project.
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By GlobalDataThe team is expected to use an iterative approach and it has also committed to using the Reading and Berks County supply chain to complete the project.
The university expects to take possession of the building by the end of this month and will present the finalised plans, designs, budgets and contracts to the Alvernia board of trustees for final approval.
The Reading CollegeTowne project will include new and expanded academic programming, student housing along with a community engagement component, as the college model thrives on partnerships and collaborations with local businesses and organisations.
The student-centred business incubator programme is expected to be the first programmes to move into the building, once the project has been completed.
Warfel Construction CEO Ralph Simpson said: “Warfel Construction is pleased to join Alvernia University on this transformational project. Through partnership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our core values, we’re excited to impact the changing landscape of Reading. We are honoured to be part of this landmark redevelopment project.”
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Artist’s rendering of the remodelled building in Reading. (Credit: Alvernia University.)
