Tag: New Construction

New construction involves preparing a site for an entirely new structure and developing that site with the final design. 4/4 Architecture assists clients with construction of new buildings in order to meet their needs and solve design challenges.

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Cantelmi Hardware: A Compact Site, A Bold Vision

Introduction

The new warehouse expansion's recessed Southeast corner entrance and cantilevered second floor maximize space while enhancing walkability and natural light.

The Cantelmi Hardware project in South Bethlehem demonstrates how thoughtful design can modernize a business while respecting its history and supporting the surrounding community. Led by principal architect Gary Lader of 4/4 Architecture, this project turned a tight urban lot into a functional, aesthetic two-story multi-purpose space, making a historic family business more efficient and future-ready.

For Patrick Cantelmi, expanding his business wasn’t just about adding more space, it was about enhancing how the company operated while respecting its deep roots. Founded in the 1920s, Cantelmi Hardware has been a cornerstone of South Bethlehem for generations. Until the recent expansion, the company operated out of a crammed and inefficient space – a far cry from the streamlined, modern facility it occupies today. “We’ve been part of this community for almost 100 years, and the new building has transformed how we run our business,” Cantelmi said.

Transforming the Workspace

Before the warehouse expansion, Cantelmi’s e-commerce operation ran out of the basement of the original store, a shared space that housed inventory for both the store and online orders. The building, a former silk mill built in 1910, was not designed for modern business needs, and this became increasingly apparent as the e-commerce side of the business grew.

“The basement was just so tight,” Cantelmi said. “We had these eight-foot ceilings and narrow hallways. The space was shaped like the letter ‘F,’ so it was tough to move inventory efficiently. We were constantly moving things, only to have to move them again.”

The new warehouse’s layout and flow support a high-performance workspace.
The previous warehouse (left) was cramped, inefficient, and lacked natural light. The new warehouse expansion (right) has a layout and flow that supports a high-performance workspace.

Faced with a tight site, the team prioritized vertical construction, incorporating a cantilevered second floor to maximize floor space. The building’s compact 7,200-square-foot footprint supports streamlined operations with designated inbound and outbound material flow areas, machinery accommodations, and organized inventory storage. The warehouse expansion dramatically improved Cantelmi Hardware’s e-commerce efficiency, replacing a cramped basement workspace with an optimized layout designed for productivity. “Productivity is up, efficiency is up,” Cantelmi said. “We can focus on getting things done instead of figuring out how to navigate the space.”

Sustainability and Adaptability

This project showcases a strong commitment to sustainability. Located within an existing urban neighborhood, the building leverages pre-existing utilities and infrastructure, reducing the environmental impact of new development. The building’s facade blends durable, locally sourced materials with aesthetic considerations. Vertical metal panels echo the rhythm of the original brick masonry, while fiber cement panels add a concrete-like texture. The recessed corner entrance and high first-floor windows maintain walkability while ensuring functionality. A rain screen facade system enhances energy efficiency, contributing to the building’s sustainable design.

The building’s adaptability enhances its value. While currently a single-tenant space, the second floor is designed to accommodate a future tenant, with dedicated egress stairs and a service elevator. High windows on the first floor allow natural light while accommodating pallet storage. Operable windows provide fresh air, creating a healthier, more pleasant workspace. By balancing utility, comfort, and flexibility, the building is primed for diverse future uses, ensuring its longevity and relevance in the community.

Designing for Community

Unlike most warehouses built far from city centers, the Cantelmi e-commerce warehouse remains rooted in South Bethlehem’s walkable, urban environment. At one point, 80 percent of the e-commerce business staff walked to work, a testament to the community-centric location.

“This is one of the few warehouses where staff can walk to work, run errands over lunch, enjoy happy hour at a brewery, and eat dinner at a restaurant – all without needing a car,” Cantelmi said. “That, in addition to other perks, makes a big difference to those who can – and who want to – apply here.” The connection to the local environment is a critical part of the project’s design philosophy.

A Modern Design, a Nod to History

The design of the warehouse expansion reflects South Bethlehem’s industrial character while addressing the challenges of a tight urban site. Vertical metal panels echo the rhythm of the original brick masonry from the Cantelmi retail store, blending past and future. The team selected fiber cement panels for their concrete-like texture, adding a tactile dimension to the design. Building upward on the small lot maximized limited space while preserving walkability and neighborhood aesthetics. The recessed corner entrance, a hallmark of local architecture, adds functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The warehouse’s design echoes the rhythm of the brick piers on the original Cantelmi building across the street. The recessed corner entrance pays homage to South Bethlehem’s historic corner storefronts, blending tradition with modern functionality.
The original compact, overgrown urban lot (left) vs. the finished warehouse expansion, whose materials echo Bethlehem’s industrial heritage.

Lader was mindful of the building’s connection to the site’s cultural history. “We wanted the building feel like it was part of Bethlehem’s industrial past but still look forward to the future,” Lader said. Durable, locally sourced materials support this vision. The building’s materiality promotes health and well-being. The metal panels interact with natural light, creating a dynamic sensory experience for employees and passersby alike.

Lessons in Flexibility

The Cantelmi e-commerce warehouse expansion came with its share of challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and learn was key to its success. “The project site – a mix of overgrown land and parking lot – presented opportunities for creativity,” Lader said.

One significant challenge emerged during the demolition phase. SAGE Design-Build’s Construction Superintendent, Jeremy Temos, and his crew were ripping up the parking lot when they made an unexpected discovery. “Whatever buildings were there had been demolished and the debris was buried and paved over,” Temos said. “We didn’t expect to find that much material under the surface. We had to adapt, clear the site, and fill it to keep the project on track.” In total, SAGE removed 14 tri-axel truckloads worth of building materials.

The parcel’s unique shape and urban location dictated design decisions, such as the recessed corner entrance, the decision to build upward with a cantilevered second floor, and the strategic placement of the windows. 

Managing the logistics of the construction site also required careful planning, given the site’s dual function as a parking lot. To set up for construction, they temporarily removed 13 parking spots. The team was mindful of the impact this could have on a family business and the community. By the end of the project, they restored nine of the 13 parking spots. This minimized any long-term disruption for patrons and residents.

The warehouse expansion design restores parking, improves deliveries, and integrates with the surrounding neighborhood.

A Space for the Present, a Legacy for the Future

For Cantelmi Hardware, the warehouse expansion not only solved immediate operational needs but also reinforced its place within the South Bethlehem community. The warehouse allows Cantelmi’s team to store inventory efficiently, providing more reliable service to customers and supporting the local economy.

For Cantelmi, the building represents the continuation of a family legacy and the evolution of his business. “We’ve been here for nearly 100 years, and now, with this building, we’re set for the future,” he says. “It’s a great example of how you can grow while staying connected to our roots.”

For Lader and 4/4 Architecture, the project is a testament to their skill in designing buildings that balance functionality, sustainability, and cultural connection. The Cantelmi warehouse is a successful blend of old and new; a space that honors history, supports present needs, and sets the stage for future growth.

Could you use a design expert to help you build the business of your dreams? Contact us at gary@44architecture.com to schedule a consultation today!

The first-floor warehouse features ample space for material flow and an abundance of natrual light, boosting staff efficiency and well-being.
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Bringing Music to Life: The Arts Academy Charter Middle School Outdoor Stage

A Vision for the Arts

For years, the Arts Academy Charter Middle School (AACMS) in Allentown has been a cornerstone of arts education, nurturing young talent in music, theater, and visual arts. As a tuition-free public charter school, AACMS has provided students with opportunities to explore their creative potential in an environment dedicated to artistic excellence. But until recently, the school lacked a dedicated performance space, an essential element to fully support its mission.

That changed when the school embarked on an ambitious project: the creation of an outdoor stage that would serve as both a performance venue and a symbol of the school’s commitment to the arts.

“We wanted a space that would not only showcase the incredible talent of our students but also invite the community to engage with the arts in a meaningful way,” said Bill Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of AACMS.

Designing an Immersive Experience

The AACMS stage represents a collaboration between architecture and the arts. The project creates a dynamic environment that supports a variety of performance types while reflecting the essence of AACMS’s commitment to creativity and student expression. The stage supports diverse artistic forms, from drama to dance, while allowing students freedom to adapt the space for their performances.

The outdoor location presented challenges in terms of weather, visibility, and acoustics. To address these, the team oriented the stage to leverage the site’s natural slope, enhancing acoustics while strengthening the connection between built and natural environment.

“The walls are designed not only to amplify sound naturally but also to direct the audience’s focus toward the performers,” Lader explained. The deliberate angling of the walls and roof creates a visual and auditory experience that enhances every performance.

Wood planks lend warmth to the sound and reinforces the idea of the stage itself as a musical instrument. The stage’s structure resonates in harmony with performances, amplifying sound. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures a space that actively enriches artistic expression.

At the same time, metal siding was introduced to give the stage an edgier, industrial feel. “That decision was about reflecting the youthful energy of the performers and also harkening back to Musikfest, which has such a rich history in this area,” Lader noted.

A Flexible, Evolving Performance Space

The stage was designed with adaptability in mind. As AACMS continues to grow, the space has the potential to evolve alongside its performers. To maintain flexibility, the design avoids permanent seating or fixed elements, allowing students to configure the space as needed. The design also allows students to introduce temporary elements like draped fabrics, transforming the stage depending on the performance.

The raised platform was another carefully thought-out feature. “The supports are inset, which gives the illusion that the stage is hovering above the ground,” Lader explained. “It integrates seamlessly with the landscape and extends into the horizon, reinforcing a connection to the natural environment.”

Navigating Challenges Together

While the vision was clear, bringing it to life required overcoming significant zoning and regulatory hurdles. Impervious coverage limits, township regulations, and construction permitting presented obstacles that had to be carefully navigated. Fortunately, AACMS was already working with Jerdon Construction on another project. Their experience with local regulations made them the ideal partner for this new initiative. They brought architect Gary Lader into the mix, and together with Bradbury Engineering, the civil engineer who helped design the site’s infrastructure, they were able to address these challenges head-on.

“Projects like this don’t happen in isolation. It takes a team that understands not just design and construction, but also how to work through the bureaucratic and logistical challenges,” Lader said. “Having that partnership approach was key to making this a reality.”

For Bill Fitzpatrick, the success of the outdoor stage went beyond just design and construction; it was about the trust and reliability that Gary brought to the table.

“Working with Gary was more than just hiring an architect; it was a true partnership,” Fitzpatrick said. “He consistently delivered on time, which I really appreciated. His professionalism and commitment made the entire process smooth. Whatever he committed to, he followed through on. I’d highly recommend him to anyone.”

A New Era for Arts Education

With the stage now complete, the school has ushered in a new era of arts education and community engagement. Students have a space to develop their craft, and the broader community has a venue that will host performances for years to come.

“This project is about more than just a stage – it’s about giving our students a space that inspires them,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s about showing them that their art matters, that their performances deserve a proper home.”

For Lader and the team at 4/4 Architecture, the project was equally rewarding. “It’s been incredible to see how this space has already made an impact,” he said. “Good design should engage the senses, and this stage does exactly that. It amplifies not just sound, but the voices and aspirations of the students who perform on it.”

With its thoughtful design, rich acoustics, and striking visual presence, the new outdoor stage at AACMS stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community support for the arts.

Looking to create a performance space that inspires? Contact 4/4 Architecture to learn how we can bring your vision to life.

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Constructing Connections: Green Hills III Unveils the Art of Collaboration

Introduction

Green Hills III - Commercial Design Project - Building Exterior

In 2023 amidst a landscape of evolving business needs and shifting market dynamics, Sunburst Property Management embarked on a transformative commercial design project: Green Hills III. With a vision to accommodate tenant needs, Sunburst sought to breathe new life into its commercial complex.

“Green Hills III was born out of a necessity to adapt to evolving tenant needs while maximizing the potential of our property assets,” said David Weinstein, President of Sunburst Property Management.

At the heart of this endeavor was the collaboration between Sunburst, Jerdon Construction, and 4/4 Architecture.

The Project

Located on Tilghman Street in Allentown, PA, Green Hills Commerce Center serves as a bustling hub for commercial businesses. The property has slowly expanded over the years and included two buildings, each with flexible office space to accommodate tenants.

Jerdon Construction was a longtime tenant of Green Hills, leasing office space within the complex for more than 10 years. Their company, a commercial construction management firm, was growing significantly; their space no longer accommodated the needs of their team. They approached Sunburst about expanding. Sunburst seized the opportunity, teaming up to design and construct a new building on the complex.

When it came to selecting a team to realize the new commercial design project, Weinstein had no questions about who he would choose. “Selecting Jerdon Construction and 4/4 Architecture was a no-brainer for me,” he said. “I have worked with both firms extensively over my career. We have developed a deep level of trust and I just really enjoy working with them.”

The Design Process

Green Hills III emerged from a collaborative effort between Sunburst, Jerdon, and 4/4. Navigating the intricate land development process was the initial challenge. Sunburst, with a team of engineers, determined the optimal size of the future building while adhering to permit regulations, Township ordinances, and environmental requirements. The team developed creative solutions to overcome obstacles, such as the Township sidewalk ordinance, which required an innovative approach to ensure pedestrian access throughout the complex and to its nearby amenities.

Jerdon, leveraging their construction management expertise, led the initial design process for the building and their tenant fit out. Even though the team had a clear vision for the space, the process required back and forth with the architect. 4/4’s role was not simply to put the design on paper, but to make Jerdon’s vision as clear as possible through drawings, which could then enable more-informed decisions.

“Building is what Jerdon does for a living. They could have selected any architect, so I was proud they selected 4/4 Architecture,” said Gary Lader, Principal of 4/4 Architecture. “We translated their design into reality.”

Ron Jerdon, President of Jerdon Construction, agreed. “4/4 Architecture provided valuable insights into code compliance and shared design recommendations for our fit-out,” he said. “Their suggestions greatly improved the end result.

One of those recommendations was the incorporation of additional windows and vision panels throughout the fit-out. “There are significant benefits to maximizing access to natural light in an office setting,” Lader said. “It not only fosters a sense of connection throughout the building and to the outdoors, but it also improves occupants’ well-being and boosts productivity.”

Green Hills III - Commercial Design Project - Jerdon Office Interior

The Result

The team completed Green Hills III in 2023 via a design/build project approach. The new 11,200-square-foot office building consists of CMU, steel bar joists, metal decking, an EPDM roof, and a split-face block finish.

A strategic feature of the Green Hills III building is that, while there are currently only two tenants, the building’s design can accommodate up to six tenants. “The ability to subdivide the space was a strategy we devised up front,” Jerdon said. “It minimizes any future cost to Sunburst should a tenant decide to leave because the infrastructure to support future tenants is already there.”

Green Hills III currently accommodates two tenants, one of which is Jerdon Construction. The tenant fit-out projects occurred simultaneously with the completion of the building shell. The team expedited materials to accommodate the tenant relocations.

“Our new office is going to serve our team well for a long time to come,” Jerdon said. “We are very happy with how it turned out, and that’s a direct result of the strength of our team and the strength of our relationships with Sunburst and 4/4 Architecture.”

Weinstein emphasized the significance of strategic collaboration in the success of the commercial design project. “While some may measure success by magazine covers or awards, the true success of Green Hills III lies in the smart design decisions made through collaborative efforts,” he said. “Our focus was on crafting a space that serves its purpose now and sets the foundation for years to come. This partnership with Jerdon and 4/4 Architecture exemplifies strategic planning and forward-thinking design, setting a new standard for commercial developments in the area.”

Could you use a design expert to help you achieve your vision? Contact 4/4 at gary@44architecture.com to schedule a consultation today!