Education Projects
Thaddeus Stevens College Transportation Center
The 86,000-SF Thaddeus Stevens College Transportation Center is part of a larger, multi-phased 100-acre expansion of the Greenfield business park campus. RETTEW provided comprehensive site development services for this project, including land development design and permitting, surveying, wetlands delineation and buffering, floodplain permitting, geotechnical investigations, and construction administration. The Transportation Center helps fulfill a key element in the College's mission to expand access to vocational training. This strategic expansion facilitates growth in core programs like Automotive and Collision Technology while also laying the groundwork for the introduction of a new Diesel Technology program. The expansion increases the College’s enrollment while simultaneously addressing a critical workforce need in the region by equipping students with highly sought-after skills in operation of heavy equipment and diesel mechanics.
HACC Parking Lot Rehabilitation Plan
RETTEW was hired by Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) to develop a parking lot rehabilitation plan for a 17-acre tract on campus. After assessing pavement and subsurface conditions, RETTEW determined the rehab required full-depth reclamation. RETTEW analyzed and redesigned the access and internal circulation of the parking lot, made recommendations for existing stormwater and electric facilities, and addressed stormwater management with proposed collection and conveyance facilities, as well as rain gardens and infiltration socks/berms. The redesign relieved egress traffic congestion for HACC, improving pedestrian safety and increasing the efficiency of traffic flow.
Penn State Stadium Fall Protection System
To ensure pyrotechnicians' safety during rooftop fireworks displays, RETTEW devised a cost-effective and efficient solution for The Pennsylvania State University. Instead of expensive, time-consuming railings, we designed a customized fall prevention system using existing scoreboard features. This temporary yet secure system kept workers tethered safely away from the edge, eliminating the need for on-site rescue. Installed quickly and within budget, the system exceeded expectations, earning praise from both stadium staff and pyrotechnicians. Its versatility even allows maintenance workers to safely access camera equipment on the scoreboards, making it a multi-purpose solution that enhances safety and operational efficiency.
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Campus Utility Mapping
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford faced losing valuable institutional knowledge about campus utilities due to retiring staff. RETTEW stepped in, creating a web-based geodatabase and mobile app to manage existing and future utility data for the 131-acre campus. This system, accessible through GIS and CAD platforms, integrates photos and PDFs for clear visualization. Further phases will involve locating underground utilities and training staff on using the app to support campus-wide projects. Overall, RETTEW's solution ensures efficient utility management and knowledge preservation for the University.