Renovation of an Iconic Building
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services sought a general contractor for the comprehensive renovation of the beloved Forum Building. Wohlsen and its self-perform team were honored to be selected for this opportunity and to partner with Murphy and Dittenhafer Architects. The Wohlsen team understood the gravity of renovating a historic, iconic building and was ready to take on the challenge.
Located in the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Forum Building was originally constructed between 1929 and 1931. It houses the Department of Education, the State Library, and the State Law Library, with approximately 800 employees working there. The Forum also boasts the breathtaking Forum Auditorium, home to the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and host to various events. With its grandiose design, the Forum Auditorium seats an audience of 1,600 and draws crowds from far and wide. The high-profile nature of this project made it all the more crucial that Wohlsen meet and exceed the expectations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Â
Blending Tradition with Moderneity
The renovation of the Forum Building included modernizing spaces while preserving and often restoring the historic features and design. Floors two through five were transformed into contemporary office spaces with upgraded heating and air conditioning systems. Meanwhile, the Auditorium, State Library, Law Library, Main Lobby, and Rare Book Archives were meticulously restored. Details such as mahogany woodwork, hand-painted ceiling details, brass railings, and decorative metal doors had to be treated with special care. Balancing beauty and practicality, the State Archives now boast track-mounted racks and shelving for efficient access and space optimization without compromising style. The scope also included the installation of new chiller equipment, an emergency generator, an exterior below-grade loading dock, and site modifications to expand parking capacity.Â
Adapting as Needed
Renovating a sizable, nearly 100-year-old building presents unique challenges, as some issues can only become apparent once work is underway. The Forum Building was no exception; numerous scope changes were necessary throughout the project. For example, when the team uncovered unforeseen asbestos, multiple change orders had to be made. Additionally, upon opening the walls, the team discovered that the specified steel connections were incompatible with the existing structure, prompting a necessary redesign. Thanks to the open communication between the Department of General Services and the teams, these adaptations could be swiftly and effectively implemented.
Opening of the Auditorium
The Department of General Services wanted to open the Auditorium ahead of schedule while construction continued throughout the building. Recognizing this goal, Wohlsen took proactive measures to ensure it could be achieved. Weekly meetings provided a platform for identifying issues, brainstorming solutions, and implementing strategies to keep the project fast-tracked. Consequently, the auditorium was successfully opened for performances, even as other construction activities continued. This achievement not only met the Departmentâs expectations but also demonstrated Wohlsenâs commitment to delivering results under tight timelines.
