In approaching a new project, we couple our design capabilities with skills in bringing together groups of people.

Most recently, Howell Engineering has obtained final land development approval for a project for Media-based, D.J. Cross, Inc., a full-service chimney company. We were hired through our partnership with Clemente + Ivins Architects of West Chester.

The property sits in the heart of Middletown Township at the intersection of Pennell and Parkmount roads, bounded by Chester Creek along the south. The site formerly housed the Sunroc Corporation, which fabricated water fountains. It’s now a multi-tenant facility and home to D.J. Cross, Inc.

Our challenge was to design the site for a new 45,000 square foot building for light manufacturing. We needed to create access from Parkmount Road and driveways and parking that traversed some steep and challenging slopes. The building was also to be situated at the top of a plateau, with loading on the south side and office parking on the north side. The west side of the building will face undisturbed woods and wetlands. We began by submitting various sketches to utilize the developable section of the 28-acre parcel of land.

The design required variance relief for a reduced buffer area adjacent to a zoning boundary, along with various waivers. It also required three significant retaining walls and a complex underground storm water management system utilizing both infiltration and MRC (Managed Release Concept) to control runoff.

Howell worked closely with staff and consultants of Middletown Township to refine the site features. Among them, emergency access, pedestrian connectivity, landscaping and screening, site lighting and the driveway from Parkmount Road.

To finalize this challenging project, we combined our inhouse resources and worked closely with adjoining residents and the design team of Lou Kodumal, Project Attorney; David Clemente, Project Architect; Matt Hammond, Traffic Engineer.

Our collaboration worked efficiently throughout the approval process. We’re happy the construction will be underway soon!