4/4 FAST FACTS
| Project Type: | Adaptive Reuse and Renovation |
| Use: | Commercial, Business |
| Location: | Lehighton, PA |
| Client/Contractor: | Chuck and Dan Doyle, ServPro |
When Chuck and Dan Doyle, the father and son team who own Allentown Central ServPro sought to expand their operations into the Carbon County area, they found a commercial site along Route 209 in Lehighton with a quaint but dated cape cod. They contacted 4/4 Architecture to find ways to give the building presence from the road, and make it more useable for their construction services division. This became a fun project because it allowed us to play with color and form in ways that tie into the ServPro brand. The old garage became a feature conference room by replacing the overhead door with a modern aluminum and glass storefront and the staff now has a comfortable place to work that they are proud of.
Challenges and Requirements
- Roadside visibility: Make the structure unmistakable from the road
- Residential conversion: Adapt an existing single-family home into a functional, collaborative office environment.
- Brand integration: Express ServPro’s signature identity while creating an attractive and welcoming presence.
- Long-term durability: Upgrade the structure with materials designed for longevity and reduced maintenance.
Reimagining the structure through color, form, and branding reinforced ServPro’s identity, and it made the new commercial building stand out high above the road.
APPROACH
- Exterior Design: Selection of materials that could be combined to create unique facade
- Reuse of Space: Utilizing existing floorplan to create offices and a conference room within footprint of structure
- Branding Considerations: Using form and color to enhance ServPro identity and build presence on road
- Building Upgrades: New roof, siding, and windows improve energy efficiency, appearance, and longevity
Before, the original single-family home is pictured. Chuck and Dan saw plenty of potential to give the Cape Cod building a new life.
RESULTS
- Curb Appeal: Metal panel siding in colors of ServPro branding provides an eye-catching structure viewable from Route 209, giving the building presence
- Commercial Transformation: Residential Use adapted for flexible office space and a feature conference room
- Long-term Investment: New roofing, siding, and windows to help with energy efficiency
- Accessibility: A new ADA ramp and other accessibility improvements create a more welcoming space for all
After, converting the old garage into a feature conference room by replacing the overhead door with a modern aluminum-and-glass storefront system with heating and cooling provided by economical mini-split units.
