Briefly describe the design highlights or unique features of this project:

JHA Companies was contracted to design a building addition for the existing Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Blooming Grove, PA. The primary objective was to provide a secure, enclosed garage space for police vehicles and apparatus—enhancing safety, security, and operational readiness for law enforcement personnel. Given the facility’s critical role in emergency response, the addition was designed to meet stringent life safety and structural resilience standards. The new space complies with current building codes for emergency shelter operations, ensuring it can function as a secure and stable command center during extreme conditions.

What specific challenges did you face during this project, and how did JHA Companies solve them?

A key design challenge involved the site’s complex topography, with the existing facility surrounded by sloping terrain. Rather than fight the grades, JHA’s design team strategically integrated the natural slope to create a basement level beneath the new addition. This approach maximized usable square footage, provided secure storage space, and minimized the building’s overall footprint—delivering an efficient and cost-effective solution.