Architectural Designer Peter Colello oversaw the outdoor renovation project from the schematic design phase forward.
Completed
In June, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects wrapped up an outdoor “repurposing” project at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
With the firm’s expertise in working with historically significant buildings, M&D was the perfect fit for the job.
The outdoor space, which serves as the residence’s entrance for the state’s chief executive, is also shared with the public.
“It’s labeled as the Governor’s Residence,” says Architectural Designer Peter Colello, “but it’s owned by the commonwealth and the people.”
Plan
A space for all to enjoy
A new lawn for events provides a green open space for tents, exhibitions, and event logistics. The project also incorporated handicapped-accessible ramps and entryways at the public entrance of the building so everyone can easily access the area, which is regularly open for tours.
A cobblestone driveway previously occupied this area off North Second Street. It was difficult to care for and navigate in icy conditions. The brick-paved walkways of the event lawn have a snowmelt feature built in to prevent the surface from becoming slippery in winter.
M&D worked with Floura Teeter Landscape Architects to design the area in front of the Governor’s residence to complement the Georgian Colonial-style building while taking architectural cues from the State Capitol Complex.
“They play into each other and use some of the same materials,” Colello says.
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A retaining wall along the new Event Terrace just outside the Grand Hall includes stone and granite veneer caps that are similar to those at the Capitol.
“It grounds the building and gives it a strong base,” Colello says.
The vehicular pavers are the same as those used at the Capitol, while the pedestrian pavers complement the brick of the residence and are reminiscent of the Capitol’s walkways. Bronze detailing used in the new Flag Garden keystone also ties in with stylings at the Capitol.
“There are very specific layouts for each walkway that have to key together,” Colello says.
Completed
A wrench in the works
The project, originally to be completed in December 2021, ran into a snag when an undocumented natural gas line was found beneath the area designated for the terrace. Future work on the line would have caused extensive damage to the terrace, so the M&D team came up with a plan to relocate the line.
The changes “put the contractors’ backs against the wall,” says Colello. A week before the new completion deadline, workers still were placing sod for the front lawn and setting asphalt pavers.
Supply chain issues also slowed the delivery of some materials for the project. Granite curbing had a 12- to 16-week wait time when the order was placed.
“We tried everything to expedite the shipment,” Colello says. “We were able to stage the granite so we didn’t have to wait for the whole order to arrive before starting work.”
Despite setbacks and delays, Colello looks forward to seeing the completed space put to use.
“This project has been difficult,” he says, “but it’s helped me learn to work through complex issues while being sensitive to a historical building. With every decision, we have to think of the whole picture. It might look like a simple project, but we went through a lot of detail to get through the finish line.”
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