Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University
Zartman Construction renovated a series of buildings into the Barnes & Noble College Booksellers bookstore for Bucknell University
The buildings were originally constructed in the late 1800’s and early 1940’s as the Dreisbach Hardware store. The project originally proposed demolishing the buildings and building new but the architect, developer and Zartman were able to preserve the existing building, which is a more economical, greener alternative.
Many historical and architectural elements have been preserved and are displayed throughout the building.
The 30,000 square foot project consists of three parts: the original warehouse, the main building and an infill section which is an enclosure of several ramp areas that connect the original buildings.
The building features a 68-foot-long skylight over a three-story atrium, the first escalators installed in Union County and the building’s original Otis freight elevator, the footprint of which is a children’s reading area.
Much of the brickwork, woodwork, steel casement and wood double-hung windows were carefully restored by hand. All the rehabilitation to the building was done in accordance to state and federal standards.
A commemorative plaque for two firefighters who lost their lives during a fire in 1941 will hang outside the building.
“The project was certainly not without its construction challenges and we appreciate the way Zartman Construction brought its expertise to bear, helping to navigate the team through to completion. All this, and your firm managed to complete early as well.”— James D. Hostetler, Director of Construction & Design for Bucknell University
The project won the ABC Excellence in Construction Award for the Best Restoration/Renovation Project in 2010.