News Summary
The construction of the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center is advancing with heavy timber framing now one-quarter complete. This $49 million facility will cater to the community’s recreational needs, featuring two flex gyms and an amenity building within its expansive 133,000 square feet. The project demonstrates a commitment to using sustainable materials and a design reflecting the township’s agricultural heritage. Despite some challenges, the facility is expected to be completed by summer of 2026, promising to enhance community engagement and recreation.
Heavy Timber Framing Progresses at Upper Macungie Township Indoor Soccer Facility
Construction of the highly anticipated Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center is moving forward, with heavy timber framing reaching the one-quarter completion mark for the indoor soccer facility. As this $49 million project aims to cater to the needs of a growing community in Pennsylvania, the initial stages of roof construction have begun, demonstrating the commitment to creating a state-of-the-art recreational space.
The construction crews from StructureCraft, a structural engineering company based in British Columbia, are currently installing glulam purlins and two layers of plywood on the roof of the indoor soccer facility. This facility, the largest within the community recreation center, occupies an impressive 133,000 square feet and is designed to host multiple recreational activities, including two flex gyms and an amenity/lobby building.
Project Overview
The total structure will comprise four interconnected buildings with a gross floor area of approximately 188,000 square feet. The design, which integrates heavy timber and steel hybrids, provides a modern yet cost-effective approach to construction. Extensive planning has been conducted over the last decade to finalize the architectural designs that will serve as a hallmark for the community.
One of the main attractions of the indoor soccer facility lies in its design features, which include gable walls framed with glulam columns and wind girts. The timber construction was purposefully planned to represent the agricultural heritage of Upper Macungie Township, utilizing a post-and-beam construction style that reflects the area’s history.
Funding and Resources
The funding for this ambitious project consists of $44 million in awarded bids, with additional contributions of $750,000 in federal funds and $5 million sourced from the state. The architectural team, which has undergone changes including a merger with Howard Kulp Architects in 2024, has been focused on ensuring sustainable materials and efficient building methods to minimize costs while maintaining quality.
Construction will involve the usage of an estimated 50,000 cubic feet of Austrian glulam beams, columns, and trusses, along with about 250,000 pounds of steel structural members. The geometry of the portal frame structure has been optimized for both stability and material efficiency, showcasing thoughtful design in tackling building challenges.
Challenges and Timeline
Like many construction projects, challenges have arisen, particularly in procurement and design finalization as project details continue to evolve. However, the construction team has been adaptable, adjusting schedules to compensate for delays caused by rain during the spring season. They also focus on expediting the process of securing the structure against weather impacts to maintain progress.
Officials have indicated that the facility is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, thereby providing residents with a modern space that enhances access to recreational activities for individuals of all ages and abilities. This community center stands to become a landmark destination, designed to foster a vibrant and active environment for the ever-growing population of Upper Macungie Township.
As the project continues, stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact the facility will have on community engagement and recreation, further establishing Upper Macungie Township as an exemplar of community-focused development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Pennsylvania Project Team Wrangles with Long-Span Timber Complexities
- The Morning Call: Upper Macungie Community Lifestyle Center Photos
- Lehigh Valley News: New Pickleball Courts Likely Coming to the Parkland Area
- 6ABC: Woman Attacked and Killed by Own Dog in Lehigh County
- Wikipedia: Community Center
- Google Search: Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center
Author: Construction FL News
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