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What others have said:
Roy Smith, PCS » A building is more than how we make a living, it is how many of us will be living life. Our environments affect our mood, interpersonal relationships, company efficiencies and affect in many ways our futures.To create such an important element in our lives, it begins with a design specialist who can relate well to your needs , flex with the changes necessary and produce what you are proud of. I have found Joel Sims and his team to meet my needs in this way. What they have helped us create has served our mission of helping others well."Roy SmithPresidentPennsylvania Counseling Services, inc
Ruth M. Davis, MBA » "Life is too short to spend time struggling with difficult professionals. Sims Architects has a staff of down-to-earth, talented people who are a true joy to work with on projects.  We have done numerous projects with Sims and will continue to utilize their services." Ruth M. Davis, MBAChief Operating OfficerPennsylvania Counseling Services, Inc.
JP Perron, Perron Construction » "A successful  project starts with good planning and working with Sims Architects definitely puts us on a path for success.  I have been extremely pleased with the effort and hard work they have put forth when working with clients.  They have always gone the extra mile to make sure each customer is satisfied with the end result. " JP PerronPerron Construction
Dr. Larry L. Burkhart » "I have been most impressed with the school design. Mr. Sims has a fine understanding of children and adults. His design presents the best in current "green" architecture. He pays attention to the use of natural light, the importance of landscaping and the need to help young children "find their way" in a large school." Dr. Larry L. BurkhartSuperintendent, RetiredEastern Lancaster County School District
You are here: News Intervention and a Successful Rehab

Intervention and a Successful Rehab

Friday, 29 January 2010 00:00
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Pennsylvania Counseling Services (PCS) is in the business of helping transform lives by providing counseling to people in need. So, it only seems fitting that they retained Sims Architects to renovate an old building for their counseling offices in Lebanon, Penn. While PCS is in the business of helping transform lives, Sims Architects is in the business of transforming buildings.

First Step: Intervention

image009The first step in getting help is admitting there is a problem.  PCS knew they were outgrowing their existing facilities and needed to provide additional space. The first option undertaken was to tear down an existing one-story building owned by PCS and construct a new three-story building. At the time, it seemed like the best option.

However, when test borings were done, the soil was determined to be less than adequate. With a potentially significant cost increase in building foundation construction, PCS decided to re-think their course of action.

While purchasing the adjacent furniture store (Harold's) had been considered previously, there was now a new renewed interest in this plan.  "When the contractor (JP Perron, Perron Construction) and I first went in the building," says Joel Sims, president of Sims Architects, "it was obvious there was great potential for renovation. It was a large, open space with existing columns that could be hidden by building new walls. I still remember smiling at each other, as JP also recognized that it could be done!"

Not long after that visit, the good news was communicated to PCS.

Second Step: Entering Rehab

image010Once PCS purchased the building, it was ready to enter the rehab program. Years of neglect were evident. The existing façade, built in the early 1900s, had been abused by a metal panel system that hid its true beauty for decades. The existing elevator was antiquated, and it intimidated those who entered. The single-pane windows did not reflect well on the energy consumption. There was also an existing alley that violated the smooth transition from the parking lot to the building.

Using old black-and-white photos of the original building, the front façade was restored to its original radiant appearance. The old metal panels were peeled off, and new windows were installed. Not only was a new elevator constructed at the front of the building, but new wider stairs produced an easy transition between floors. In addition, the interior was gutted, and new offices, group rooms and bathrooms were built. The architects worked with the city and, after a lengthy process, the alley was closed so that parking now snuggles next to the building.

Third Step: Starting Anew

image011With the transformation complete, it was time to start on a new journey. The new facility is conveniently located downtown and provides a beautiful addition to the urban environment. It is actually comprised of two buildings that were connected years ago. One building is two stories, and the other is four stories. PCS occupies the first two floors with completely new counseling offices. There is room to expand in the future.  "What I remember most from the ribbon-cutting ceremony is not the walls, ceilings or windows," says Sims, "Rather, it is the people with compassionate, caring hearts who filled the lobby. While bringing a building through successful rehab is rewarding, it is most rewarding to help our clients do what they do best."

In this case, one restored building will help many thousands of people for many years into the future.

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