MURPHY & DITTENHAFER ARCHITECTS RECEIVES COMMISSION FOR LEXINGTON MARKET TRANSFORMATION

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has been commissioned for architectural, engineering, and specialty consulting services for the Transform Lexington Market project. The contract was awarded by Lexington Market, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that runs the historic market on behalf of the City of Baltimore.

Murphy & Dittenhafer was selected July 30, 2015, after a competitive review process that began with a request for proposals in May 2015. The award is the first step in an ambitious $26.7 million plan to revitalize the aging market. The initiative will include major renovations and minor additions to the market while maintaining continuous operation.

Lexington Market, Inc. selected Murphy & Dittenhafer for their related building transformation design experience and expertise, and their ability to facilitate collaboration among project partners.

“We look forward to working with collaborators who not only have wide-ranging expertise, but also a strong track record of similar, highly successful projects that enhance the quality of life for residents,” says Lexington Market, Inc. and Baltimore Public Markets Executive Director Robert Thomas.

Murphy & Dittenhafer’s track record with similar projects includes Annapolis City Dock Market House in Annapolis, MD, Central Market in York, PA, and Central Market in Lancaster, PA. Their Baltimore experience include such notable projects as The Tremont Grand, Old St. Paul’s Church, First & Franklin Presbyterian and The University of Baltimore Student Center. The firm has also helped transform many Baltimore landmarks, including the Hippodrome Theatre, while also contributing to the revitalization of the West Side/Bromo Arts District, among other neighborhoods

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY’S HISTORIC MARTIN HOUSE

Construction began this spring - two months ahead of schedule - on a series of renovations and additions to Shippensburg University’s historic Martin House, designed by Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects. Murphy & Dittenhafer expects completion of this $860,000 project by the end of October 2015.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania commissioned Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects to address deferred maintenance needs of Martin House - the President’s residence - with renovations and an addition that will update the campus facility to meet current university needs and accommodate increased attendance at events on-site.

The aging residence, built in 1907-08, needed mechanical, electrical, and other systemic improvements and updates to the kitchen, dining, and food service areas to better accommodate public events. The existing building, comprised of three floors and a basement, is just over 9,000 square feet. New additions will add another 900 square feet, including an enlarged sunroom, a caterer’s pantry, and rear entry area connecting to the existing garage.

Since the residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all work will be carried out in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation.

Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum Reopened to the Public

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects designed renovations to the historic Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Having been commissioned by the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, Inc. to lead the renovation of the historic Baltimore City landmark, the architects successfully obtained all required historic preservation reviews and approvals from agencies including the Maryland Historic Trust, Baltimore City, and Commission for Historic Architectural Preservation (CHAP).

The renovation has improved accessibility for the general public by creating a new accessible entrance at street level, an elevator to connect the above-grade exhibition and staff operation floors, and modify an existing restroom to meet ADA requirements.

The museum is comprised of three floors and a basement, for a total of approximately 6,800 square feet.

Babe Ruth artifacts were removed from the museum for temporary storage during the renovation construction. This $700,000 project was completed in June 2015. The museum reopened June 12, in time for the summer tourist season.