Forrest D. Brown Conference Center Renovation, Bucknell University - Cowan, PA

Project Completion: 2019

Project Highlights: 

• The Forrest D. Brown Conference Center, located eight miles from Bucknell’s campus, is used by a variety of University, student and community groups for overnight retreats and events.

• Originally built in 1956, the main lodge was last renovated in the early 1970s and was in need of accessibility improvements, kitchen upgrades, new mechanical systems and an overall interior face lift.

• HLA worked with the University’s Facilities Staff and Property Manager to carefully plan the renovations to get the most from their $325,000 budget.

• Designers overcame significant challenges posed by the age of the building and its original construction, finding innovative
  solutions to create two ADA accessible bathrooms within the available space.

• The team reconfigured the kitchen, adding a new commercial exhaust system, appliances, and countertops.

• Designers opened up an enclosed porch to better connect to the outdoors and installed new windows to allow more light into the main gathering space.

• Faux ceiling beams were added to the great room to enhance the lodge’s rustic feel.

• New flooring, paint, and interior finishes give the Center a fresh look.

• Plumbing and heating systems were also updated.

• The team built alternates into the bid package to protect the budget and delivered the renovations on schedule in just eight months.