Built in 1912, the Allentown State Hospital made history as the first psychiatric ward in the United States that was completely seclusion-free in its practices.
After its closure, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (PADGS) planned to demolish the buildings and convert the land into a new plot for real estate opportunities. To prepare for development, KCI was contracted to oversee the demolition of 42 facilities across the 200-acre site and provided construction management, environmental hazmat, industrial hygiene, and site survey services.
Special care was needed throughout the project timeline, as hazardous materials such as asbestos, mercury, and lead had been utilized previously. In addition, the undertaking required the approval of historic agencies since the buildings were over one hundred years old. After conducting thorough research of historical aerial photographs, topographic maps, and geologic data, our team combined the findings with current site reconnaissance to produce a 1,100-page closeout package that potential developers could use to safely plan for future developments.
