Memorable Projects and Moments

From the Desk of Bob Hoffman

As published in the Lebanon Daily News Valley Profiles.

The year 2020 was one that many would prefer to forget. Even so, Beers + Hoffman had memorable projects and moments that lifted the spirits of our clients and professionals alike.

Our Lebanon office remains under the guidance of Lebanon native architect Bob Hoffman, while the Lititz and Lancaster offices are in the capable hands of Principal architects Scott Shonk and Peter Kerekgyarto. Annville native architect Joe Connor, Lebanon native Rick Brouse, and Palmyra architect Brian Rummel round out the Lebanon County compliment on the B+H team.

Although the firm works throughout a wide geographical area, its many Lebanon County clients have always been a special focus. A majority are repeat clients, testifying to the firm’s relationship building success.

The Lebanon School District has been one of the longest partners of our firm. Having renovated five schools and designed the new NW Elementary, B+H worked with the District on maintenance projects at the High School, Henry Houck Elementary, and Alumni Stadium.

B+H has enjoyed working with many Lebanon County municipalities, including long-time client the County of Lebanon. The recent focus is on the new Emergency Services complex to be built south of the city. This project will house a 911 center, the emergency services department, an emergency operations center, first responders training facilities, an operations center housing all the County’s emergency vehicles (including hazmat), and a helicopter pad to safely accommodate emergency flights. Sophisticated and dedicated, the County’s Department of Emergency Services is on duty 24/7. Under the excellent leadership of Bob Dowd, the staff (at all levels) has been involved in the planning of this contemporary facility. Congrats to the County Commissioners for their foresight in the construction of this state-of-the-art center.

Celebrating good governmental decisions, Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello’s determination in moving the City offices back into the heart of the city is admirable! Working with all the City offices, B+H is designing the transformation of the HACC building into a wonderfully functional center city complex with HACC remaining on the third floor. The former Community Center will become Council Chambers, and the police will occupy most of the ground floor. A police garage addition to the rear will place all police services in the heart of our city. Arthur Funk & Sons is the Construction Manager.

Turning back the architectural clock from the previous projects is the new home of Templin Eye Care on Rt 422 just to the west of Myerstown. The limestone and sandstone 18th century style office fits perfectly into the region’s architectural history.

B+H was delighted to again work with Community Homes of Lebanon Valley in the design of two proof-of-concept small homes in the city on Maple Street. A long-time client, Community Homes has been a leader in providing affordable housing for older residents and those with special needs.