Franklin & Marshall Lancaster, PA

Project Background

The Witmer Group was entrusted with the challenge to nestle a turn of the century replica onto the Franklin & Marshall campus as if had been there for a hundred years while creating a state of the art living center behind this old world façade.

The project consisted of 65,000 block, 610 yards of grout, 300,000 handmade brick, 800 pieces of cast stone, 200 pieces of granite and 54,000 paving bricks. This material was used to create a project that masquerades as an old stately mansion. Matching the look of a 100+ year old campus brought on unique challenges. Every bricklayer assigned to the project was trained in the bricklaying and striking techniques of another era. Once trained, each bricklayer had to pass a rigorous examination before being allowed to be part of the project team. Not only did the crew create a stunning piece of ar- chitecture, it was completed with no serious reportable injuries. The Witmer Group Safety Team was diligent in monitoring the scaffolding that surrounded the entire structure.

The Witmer Group team completed the F&M New College House project while exceeding the expectations of the building owner and general contractor.