Mickley Prydun Farmstead Preservation

4/4 FAST FACTS

Project Type:	Historic Preservation
Use:	To Be Determined
Location:	Whitehall, PA
Team:	Lobar Associates (Construction Manager), Helmer Company (Grant Writer), Whitehall Township (client)

Mickley Prydun represents a farmstead preservation that has endured centuries, from before the nation’s founding to the present day. Tucked in a valley behind contemporary houses of Whitehall Township, historic structures are found throughout the site, including the original small home circa 1762, with the primary structure consisting of the 2.5 story, Georgian-style home circa 1835.

Led by Commissioner Jeff Warren, Whitehall Township sought to restore the primary structures to its period of significance. Initially, 4/4 Architecture was tasked with conducting a feasibility report, surveying existing conditions and helping the township to secure grants for the project. In recognition of the need to be sustainable and energy efficient, the restoration will include modern materials — historic products and restoration techniques where possible — honoring the history of the farmstead while serving the community in the present day.

Challenges and Requirements

• Preservation: Preserve the centuries old structures, by restoring original brick and building envelope
• Site Evaluation: Account for structural changes and decades of modifications to existing structures
• Restoration Strategy: Utilize techniques to restore as close to 1830s period of significance as possible
• Future Use: Adapt structure for as yet to be determined use for the community of present-day Whitehall.

APPROACH

• Site Survey: Documented existing conditions to determine scope of work and cost estimates for grants
• Accessibility Planning: Study ways to incorporate accessibility 
• Renovation and Restoration: Removed inappropriate materials such as brickote, repaired rotted wood, installed new energy efficient windows – matching closer to the 1830s period of significance