UGI Lehigh Valley Operations Center

This project was a multi-phase, LEED Silver-certified, 78,198-square-foot, two-story renovation of the Lehigh Valley Operations Center for UGI. It included the demolition of all existing interior and exterior systems and the installation of a new exterior building envelope with ACM and porcelain panels. The renovated space features multiple-use areas such as enclosed offices, open office spaces, conference rooms, several coffee stations, a training classroom, a fitness room, locker and shower rooms, basement storage, and multiple collaboration spaces. Additionally, 10,000 square feet of warehouse space was added, including a new emergency response storage shop and M&R shop.

The main office space comprises roughly 70% of the building and includes open spaces with aluminum-framed glass-enclosed offices, multiple ceiling levels due to both design and existing building structure restrictions discovered during demolition, and a feature lobby with a pantry-kitchen space and a monumental stair with all wood treads, risers, landings, and a first-floor platform with benches. The remaining 30% of the building consists of the warehouse, shop, and locker room spaces, which feature an overhead crane, an industrial racking system, and multiple floor levels due to exterior access and existing loading docks.

The original building, dating back to the 1960s, presented several issues during construction. Due to the client's operational needs, the project required multiple phases to be completed in different sequences, allowing them to move in and out of each area while remaining operational. One issue involved the concrete plank deck system for the roof, which was found to be too brittle to mount in-building utilities as per typical details. Consequently, it was necessary to through-bolt these anchors in over 350 locations. Another challenge was scheduling construction around and during client operations, sometimes requiring off-hour construction and special coordination to ensure the construction scope was completed safely and with quality, while still allowing the client to maintain 24/7 emergency operations. Despite these challenges, the project produced quality results and a beautiful new space for UGI to operate in the Lehigh Valley area.