French & Parrello provided professional engineering services for the redevelopment of a 124 acre parcel of the historic Bethlehem Steel facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This plant produced the steel for such notable structures as the Empire State Building and Golden Gate Bridge and it was paramount in supporting the World War II war effort. Bethlehem Steel was the single largest employer in the City of Bethlehem and when the plant shut down its operations over 10 years ago, it had a major impact upon the economy of the region.
The proposed redevelopment plan will revitalize the city’s economy and will preserve the heritage of the plant through the rehabilitation/conversion of some of the existing buildings for public, retail, residential, and entertainment purposes, while, at the same time, refurbishing and highlighting such iconic features as the smokestacks and blast furnaces. To anchor and drive the redevelopment, a 5,000 slot machine casino with an associated hotel complex is proposed in the ore pit area of the plant.
French & Parrello was the Master Engineer for the redevelopment. We provided survey, site, structural, geotechnical, mechanical/electrical, and transportation engineering for this exciting and high profile project.
French & Parrello was retained by the County of Essex to creatively design a new penguin exhibit. The existing penguin exhibit was very old, harsh looking and need of major repair, which led to the development of our design to educate the public on how an African Penguin lives in the wild along the rocky shores of the African coast. The backdrop of the penguin exhibit captured that African coast showing the different horizons of rock typically associated with that area. The floor surface needed to be rough and irregular, to preclude the penguins from developing foot problems. To the rear of the exhibit, burrows were installed for the penguins to nest. A door at the rear of the burrow was installed so the trainers could inspect the nest areas and keep them clean. The pool was rehabilitated with a vibrant blue epoxy. The harsh wrought iron fence was removed and replaced with a clear glass barrier, so children would have an unobstructed view of the penguins. Irrigation was placed at the top of the rock cliff to irrigate the small plants and to cool the penguins during the summer when they were out of the water. On the east wall, a mural was installed to educate the public on the different species of penguins, the height of each penguin and to provide a great photo opportunity for visitors.
The new academic building contains 30,000 square feet on three floors. Administrative and faculty offices, an information file server room, computer labs, student gathering area and classroom areas are housed in the new facility. The building is considered a campus highlight being located in the center of the campus “Quad”.
FPA was responsible for the Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing and Sprinkler engineering design. The HVAC work includes central exhaust systems with energy recovery and induction air units in every conditioned space providing silent air distribution while hot water for heating is provided via the campus distribution loop. The system used reduces energy consumption an estimated 32%. Low consumption plumbing fixtures were used to reduce water consumption by 42%. The electric system included ties to the campus high voltage distribution with pad mount switches and transformers. VDF’s have been widely utilized for all pumps and air handlers. Emergency power is provided by an oil fired generator. Fire alarm, security and IT data and voice are extended to the campus distribution facilities. LEEDTM consideration for this building has been granted at the Silver level by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Princeton Medical Center
: Princeton Healthcare System – Princeton Medical Center
FPA provided due diligence assessment, site engineering, environmental and geotechnical engineering services for the new Princeton Medical Center Campus in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The project includes the redevelopment of 150 acres from an office research facility into a medical center campus which includes a 636,000 square foot hospital, 120,000 square foot medical office building, 500 member fitness center, 200 bed Long Term Care Facility and a 32 acre public park.
FPA designed the internal roadway system including a campus boulevard, emergency access driveway from Route 1 and parking lots to accommodate up to 1700 vehicle parking spaces. In addition, we designed the stormwater management system including a three acre retention pond, bioretention swales, an underground recharge system to meet the NJDEP stormwater management rules, and created proposed utility easements.
The project site is located along the Millstone River, whereas the site constraints included flood hazard area, freshwater wetlands and bald eagle habitat buffer area which required Stream Encroachment and Freshwater Wetlands permits and approvals from the NJDEP and Delaware Raritan Canal Commission.
The project is under construction and FPA continues to provide environmental oversight and construction phase services.
French & Parrello was retained by the County of Essex to creatively design a miniature golf course and expansion parking for the Turtle Back Zoo. The miniature golf course was designed to represent Africa, which is part of the Turtle Back Zoo Master Plan. The design was broken down into three regions: the Sahara Desert, the African Grasslands and the Congo located to the center is Mount Kilamanjaro. The miniature golf consists of 19 hole all ADA compliant. Animal sculptures, such as camel, elephant, gorilla, lion and more, were placed within its correct region. The golf course is supported by an African themed comfort station. The expansion parking area is approximately 275 parking spaces.
