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Structural Engineering

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

JHA Companies partnered with Woodloch Pines Resort to evaluate the feasibility of a future kitchen expansion at the resort’s primary lodge building—one of the oldest and most historically modified structures on the property. Over the years, the building has seen numerous additions and renovations, including an earlier initiative involving a commercial kitchen designer to modernize the existing kitchen. However, the logistical challenge of performing major construction without disrupting continuous food service led to the project being put on hold.

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

The conversation was revived when a deteriorating visual barrier—shielding views of exterior walk-in coolers and freezers—was identified as a necessary capital improvement. Rather than invest in a temporary solution, Woodloch engaged JHA to explore whether a new wall could be constructed that would eventually serve as the exterior boundary of a future kitchen expansion.   JHA conducted a comprehensive review of the site, analyzing the structural integrity of the existing building, the column grid, and the buildable area currently occupied by walk-in units. The team also carefully navigated the complex mix of past construction types, fire wall upgrades, integrated HVAC systems, and sprinkler infrastructure that had been layered in through decades of renovations.   The outcome of JHA’s work was a detailed 3D visualization of a potential structural building envelope, along with targeted recommendations for