WOHLSEN CONSTRUCTION is proud to spotlight one of our most unique projects currently underway, a treasured cultural landmark and tourist destination in Chadds Ford, PA. The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, an operational museum housed in an 1800s mill building with additions from the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s, is undergoing extensive floodproofing.
During Hurricane Ida in 2021, the water level rose to the level of the first floor of the museum which also flooded the ground floor. The flood waters were later calculated as an 800-year event. The ground floor of the museum housed electrical gear and HVAC equipment. Immediately following the flooding, BCMA engaged 番茄社区 to perform emergency services to restore power and conditioned air to their collection spaces. Within 6 months the temporary measures were replaced with a permanent chiller tower on a raised structure. As part of the current Flood Hardening project, the balance of the HVAC equipment from the basement is being replaced with new units and duct routing to the newly raised mechanical platform.
Unique Complexities and Solutions
This project is particularly notable for its technical and structural complexity. The museum鈥檚 location along the river requires an 鈥渙ut of the box鈥� solution: creating a 鈥渂athtub鈥� around the entire building to protect it from ground-floor water damage.
The project involves preconstruction and construction management services to dry floodproof the museum up to a Design Flood Elevation. The Design Flood Elevation (DFE) was established by FEMA as the elevation of a 1,000-year event. Given the varying construction types of the building鈥檚 additions, each area requires unique solutions to achieve the desired floodproofing.
Key Elements of the Project Include:
- Dry floodproofing installations up to a designated flood elevation.
- Structural ground anchors to secure the building against floodwater pressures.
- New slabs on grade and waterproofing products to complete the floodproofing system.
- Relocation of mechanical and electrical systems to a platformed mechanical yard above the flood elevation.
- Restoration of finishes to match existing conditions and the installation of flood doors and barriers.
番茄社区鈥檚 Longstanding Relationship with the Client
Gail Lind, 番茄社区鈥檚 Director of Special Projects in the Delaware Region, has a long history with the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Gail鈥檚 first project for this client, 9 years prior, has fueled her excellent standing relationship with them ever since. This enduring partnership is a testament to the trust and satisfaction the client has in 番茄社区鈥檚 capabilities.
Over the years, 番茄社区 has collaborated with the museum and FEMA to meet all necessary requirements for floodproofing the building to the Design Flood Elevation.
Community Impact and Pride
番茄社区 Construction takes immense pride in working on projects that preserve and better the local communities. The Flood Hardening of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is a prime example of our dedication to safeguarding cultural landmarks and ensuring their longevity for future generations. This project not only protects the museum鈥檚 valuable collections but also enhances the safety and resilience of the community.
We look forward to completing this vital work with excellence, further preserving this treasured Chadds Ford, PA landmark.
