Since celebrating the groundbreaking a few months ago, the Penntex team is thrilled to share significant progress on our initiative with Valley Youth House to build the new Carter Family Center at Camp Fowler in Orefield, PA. This state-of-the-art recreation center, focused on STEAM education, will enhance Valley Youth House’s ability to provide uplifting opportunities for young people in the Lehigh Valley. Penntex is privileged to contribute to advancing the non-profit’s mission by lending our time and construction management expertise as we continue the journey toward substantial project completion by the end of 2024.

Valley Youth House Framing

In collaboration with a magnificent team of talented and generous professionals from every segment of the construction industry, we have recently entered an exciting phase with the framing (including “swinging” trusses and decorative exposed timber trusses) marking visible progress above ground. Of course, much work was involved in arriving at this key milestone, and we are grateful to every team and organization who have joined the cause. NORR has provided expert engineering and architectural services. Excavation has been efficiently handled by Muschlitz Excavating. Lithko Contracting was responsible for building out the foundation, footers, and basement walls, while Levan Associates integrated steel supports.

Valley Youth House Framing in Progress

Looking ahead, our next major milestones include securing the building’s exterior envelope and installing the roof, a process expected to take a few months’ time. Concurrently, mechanical systems will be underway, preparing for a fully functional and resilient facility. Designed to be tornado-proof, the building will ensure safety from weather threats and serve as a safe haven and a hub for community engagement. Our team is steadfastly dedicated to this generational project, pouring in time, talent, and resources to ensure its success alongside so many fantastic industry partners and vendors, and we can’t wait to share another update when construction is complete.