Design Challenge: When the Muhlhauser family sold their West Chester farm, they generously donated their 125 year old barn to the West Chester Parks Department. Finding the best use of the barn proved to be a challenge. Our familiarity with West Chester Township and vast experience with historical facilities made MSP the best choice for the project.
Design Solution: After thoughtful research and analysis, MSP determined that the best use for the reconstructed barn was to relocate it to the 150 acre Beckett Park, located in the heart of the West Chester Union Centre business district. The park’s amenities already included walking trails, fishing ponds, playground, picnic shelter, ice rink and a baseball complex. The Muhlhauser Barn fulfilled a need for a community event facility to host wedding, reunions and other celebrations. MSP designed the facility with consideration to issues of cost-effectiveness, preservation of the historic integrity of the structure, and compliance with current codes.
Design Outcome: Muhlhauser Barn is a popular community center that hosts year round events ranging from the West Chester Winter Farmers’ Market, 5k races, weddings, and other regional events such as the “Beer Baron Weekend” beer festival. The building and site incorporate sustainable design and LEED principles such as structure reuse and stormwater management through use of rain gardens.