Stegmaier at Federal Square

Keating Development Corporation, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

This project created a 110,000 square foot office center through the adaptive reuse of a late nineteenth-century industrial monument - Wilkes-Barre's Stegmaier Brewery. One of the most prominent structures in the city, the brewery is sited at the eastern gateway to downtown. Despite its historic significance the complex had defied numerous revitalization efforts. This project recognized that the elimination of a range of severely deficient secondary structures could make way for an addition which would double the existing building's size. This addition introduced new economies of scale and flexibility in space planning to the project, making it a competitive alternative for a government office building.

The memorable character of the new Federal Center's architectural and interior design derives directly from the unusual historic preservation circumstances. For example, visitors to the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security and Postal Service offices are greeted by a cherubic terra-cotta Bacchus brandishing a sheaf of hops and a foaming beer stein. More appropriately, Wilkes-Barre now boasts two civic domes - one on the Luzerne County Courthouse and the other on the "new" Stegmaier Federal office complex.

Awards

2000 Special Recognition Award, Downtown Achievment Awards, Economic Development Category
International Downtown Association

1999 Pride of Place Award, Community Category
Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce