Re-Use Feasability Studies of Begel Hall and the Portier Center

Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center • Villa Maria, Pennsylvania

Villa Maria Community Center commissioned Strollo Architects to conduct a building re-use feasibility study on its Begel Hall building, a former high school dormitory. Following that study, the agency ordered a similar study on its Potier Center, a former classroom building.
The studies involved conducting building assessments, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; remediation of hazardous materials, windows and security. Strollo then provided schematic drawings on building re-use options to create retreat rooms or 2-bedroom apartments within the buildings.
The studies resulted in a decision to renovate the Potier Center into a campus retreat center, a project which Strollo Architects was commissioned to design. The 25,672 sq. ft. building was converted into a 40-Room retreat center to be utilized for single-day and multiple-day spiritual retreats. The renovation included creating individual sleeping spaces, 2 conference rooms and a kitchen area. The project cost was $2 million.