Hopewell Manor – Reviving the “Heart” of Elverson through Sustainable Design & Adaptive Reuse
August 9th, 2011
Hopewell Manor is a new affordable housing project for seniors that occupies a unique place in a historic Pennsylvania town.
In 2009, the Elverson Fire Company merged with the neighboring Morgantown Fire Company at a new location in between the two towns leaving the fire house empty and unused.
In Elverson, as in many small towns, the fire house is the true center of the community life. Men and woman train and volunteer their time providing the much needed emergency services. The Elverson Fire Company building, in addition to the requisite engine bays, included an auditorium, the Springfield Room. This space, with full stage and basement dressing rooms, was the venue for countless performances, meetings and celebrations – the “heart” of Elverson for decades.
Delaware Valley Development Company (our client) decided that Elverson would be a perfect location for an affordable housing project to serve the aging population. DVDC and BartonPartners imagined how the new development could retain and incorporate the Springfield Room as an amenity for the residents as well has preserve this community asset. The engine bays were demolished and BartonPartners designed the new facility to incorporate the auditorium so that it can be used during the day by the residents and on special occasions by the entire community.
At the grand opening of Hopewell Manor in July 2011, the new joint Twin Valley Fire Company rededicated the Springfield Room in honor of all of the fire company personnel who have served through the 100 year history of the Elverson Fire House.
Hopewell Manor – sustainable design and adaptive reuse in small town America.