The renovation of Grove City College’s Henry Buhl Library won a best in class award from the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania.
The $9 million project was named the best Renovation Construction between $5 million and $10 million at the builders’ association’s annual 2022 Building Excellence Awards event last week. The association evaluated dozens of projects completed in the region last year to determine the winners.
The top-to-bottom makeover of the 70-year-old library, which included the addition of a café and patio, was completed last year. The work transformed most library spaces while maintaining the Collegiate Gothic building’s historical integrity. In addition to public facing improvements, the project encompassed a complete update of the building’s mechanical and electrical systems.
Pittsburgh architectural firm Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel designed the project with Landau Building Company of Allison Park, Pa., overseeing the construction, which was conducted in phases to keep the library open during the academic year.
Judges had praise for the project overall, noting significant updates to transition the dated space into a “dynamic learning hub” while “tying features of the old building with the new.” Landau was credited for “delivering an exceptional project in an accelerated schedule with intricate features, craftsmanship and attention to detail.”
“This award represents the success of the biggest renovation project that Grove City College has undertaken in more than a decade,” said Susan Grimm, vice president for Operations at Grove City College. “PWWG provided a stunning design and Landau deserves all the credit for transforming Buhl Library into a beautiful and functional facility for students to study, learn, collaborate, and flourish.”