Twin Valley Fire Department Awards Expansion to Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects in Kennett Square

The Urge to Merge: Two fire companies serving multiple jurisdictions in Berks County and Chester County, Pennsylvania blend into one, and opt for a new facility designed by Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects.

Kennett Square, PA (PRWEB) May 3, 2007 -- Merging Morgantown Fire Company and Elverson Fire Company into one Fire Department seemed the natural thing to do … the fire companies were only separated by two and a half miles, and over the years coordinated varying services between them over six municipalities. Elverson operated as an engine company with two pumpers and a tanker, while Morgantown took on the specialized jobs of truck and heavy rescue. So when volunteer firemen from each organization started talking of consolidating back in 2005, enthusiasm soon sprang up within both fire companies and from the surrounding neighborhoods.

The process of consolidating the two companies was finalized in January 2007. The new Twin Valley Fire Department is now looking forward to building a new facility on Route 401 and Route 23, on a parcel of land donated by the Twin Valley School District.

Building Committee Chairman Tom Hornberger said that after looking at several architectural firms in the area, Bernardon Haber Holloway (BHH) was selected due to their impressive body of work. BHH has provided design services to a dozen fire safety and emergency services companies in the tri-state area.

"We looked at Po-Mar-Lin Fire Station in Unionville," he said, "and we like them [BHH because of their experience--they've done more fire houses than anyone else."

BHH is designing the new, 24,500 square-foot facility to blend the functions of the older fire companies. The fire-fighting apparatus from both companies will be housed in the new building with sufficient bays to allow each vehicle to face a door. In addition to the vehicles, Twin Valley will have a gear locker room, meeting room, training room, radio room and a lounge with a kitchenette. It will also sport a gym, office space, bunk rooms and a separate section designated for the emergency medical services group. In addition, a museum is planned to house memorabilia from both Morgantown and Elverson, including a restored 1930s Ford fire truck.

Art Bernardon of BHH was impressed with the determination of both fire companies to come together with as few hitches as possible.

"Twin Valley is a model merger," said Bernardon. "They came together of their own accord, and have done a fine job of integrating their memberships into a singular group. They have demonstrated that they have really thought out their needs for the new building, and they are also thinking ahead. These folks are speaking with a singular voice."

The Twin Valley Fire Department development team is happy that things are falling into place so smoothly. Their focus in coming together all along has been community oriented.

"If everything goes according to plan," said Hornberger, "the new station will be completed in September of 2008, and we're very excited about it. With combined manpower and resources, our response time will be faster," he said, "which will be better for the community."
Established in 1973, Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects PC provides architecture, interiors and land planning services to a wide range of clients including private, corporate and institutional. The 60-person firm operates offices in Kennett Square and Downingtown, PA, and Wilmington, DE.

Contact:
Diana Gonzalez
Bernardon Haber Holloway
ARCHITECTS PC
610-494-7879
dgonzalez(at)bernardon.com

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