THE LONGACRE COMPANY INSTRUMENTAL IN ESTABLISHING ROOTS FOR THE UPPER PERKIOMEN VALLEY YMCA
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Longacre Company (www.longacreco.com) recently completed installation of all plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems in the new Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA Annex building located in the Pennsburg shopping center.
Formed in 1990, the Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA has been operating as a non-facility branch of the Pottstown Family YMCA. This new 12,000 square foot facility becomes the first physical home for the branch to set roots. This facility houses complete men’s and women’s locker rooms, a large wellness area outfitted with fitness equipment, a child-watch room, two directors offices and two large multipurpose program rooms.
According to Bob Thoms, YMCA Construction Manager, The Longacre Company began demolition in the first week of September, 2007 and completed construction in December. “That’s a very short time for a lot of work,” said Thoms, “especially considering the obstacles that they faced. This was no easy task.”
Thoms stated that when they took over the building, it had been filled with large walk-in coolers and had been vacant for nearly five years. “The Longacre crew walked into a real mess. Electrical wiring was strewn everywhere and a lot of demolition had to be done before they could start installing the new services. In order to get the plumbing where it needed to go, they had to demolish two previous bathrooms and jackhammer a lot of concrete.
"It was a challenge but they got it done fast and got it done right. I’ve come to count on that from Longacre, having worked with them in the past. They know what to do and they get it done. They’re fun to work with too. It’s not just business for them, it’s a personal thing and I think that’s the reason their business has grown so much over the years. Not only are they competitive on bids, they take pride in what they do and they’re a great bunch.”
Thoms further stated that – as a result of their decades of experience – he has confidence in The Longacre Company to be able to look at a building that is in complete disarray, and give him an accurate conceptual bid every time. “That’s a talent that you don’t just learn overnight,” he concluded.
According to Steve Longacre, Vice President of The Longacre Company, the HVAC portion of the project included the installation of five York gas/electric rooftop units consisting of two 20-ton units, two 7.5-ton units and one 5-ton unit. The entire system is triggered by an array of programmable thermostats to keep each zone of the building in a constant balanced climate.
“We’re proud to be a part of this project and proud that the YMCA had confidence in us to complete the plumbing, electrical and HVAC installs in a short time,” said Longacre. “We also had the pleasure of providing complete services at the Spring Valley YMCA in Limerick less than two years ago. It’s always rewarding to play a part in an important project that positively impacts the lives and wellness of thousands of surrounding community members for years to come.”
According to the organization’s website, the Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA Annex is one branch of the new Freedom Valley YMCA organization that was officially formed on January 1st of 2008 when the Audubon, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Spring Valley and Upper Perkiomen branches merged.
Freedom Valley YMCA President and CEO, Jay Schaeffer, stated that site plans for a future full-service Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA building are already in process with Horizon Engineering and the architectural firm of Kramer-Marks.
According to Schaeffer, Freedom Valley YMCA is currently in the process of planning for a capital funds campaign to raise the necessary funds for the new facility which will include indoor pools, gymnasiums and a wellness center. No date for construction will be scheduled until adequate funds are in place.