A Look back at 2025

Empire Services • December 16, 2025

We find ourselves at the end of another year. Where has the time gone? Empire Services completed a variety of demolition, site, and civil projects. Each one required a strategic solution to achieve successful results. Let’s take a look at some project and event highlights from this year.

Select Demolition of a Historic Building

Every demolition project presents its own unique challenges, and at Empire Services, we're always prepared to meet them head-on with the most effective approach born from decades of ingenuity and extensive experience.

 

Our crew worked on a select building demolition in downtown Reading, PA. This historic building had a partially collapsed roof and compromised walls. In an attempt to salvage the structure, we used two hydraulic truck cranes to accomplish the task at hand.

 

Unfortunately, after the failing portions were removed, it was determined the building was not safe and needed to be totally removed. Empire Services mobilized one of our 95-foot UHD excavators and completely demolished the unstable structure. The site is currently a green space awaiting future development. 

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Taking Part in Albright’s Gingrich Library Transformation

Empire Services was proud to support the transformation of Albright University’s Gingrich Library. Our team completed the careful hand demolition of the building’s brick façade and windows, clearing the way for a modern new exterior.

 

From there, we transitioned to removing utilities, partitions, and mechanical systems to prepare the space for its next phase. One of the project’s most complex challenges involved excavating a new elevator pit in a sub-basement filled with bedrock. We crane-lifted equipment through the new elevator shaft opening and maneuvered it five stories down into place to complete the job.

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Faces of Humanity

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Retirement Village Water Service Installation

Empire Services completed a mile-long water service installation at a large retirement village. Our team delivered a top-quality project with speed and precision that included a new water service and individual supply lines to all the buildings.

 

This phased project required complete restoration of each individual work area, which included paving, sidewalk, and landscape restoration.

Nature's Symphony

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Faces of Humanity

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The Empire Group Timeline is Completed

Empire Group celebrated 70 years of service, growth, and innovation! To mark this milestone, we created a special timeline that highlighted key moments, achievements, and memories that shaped our journey.

 

From the early days to major growth in the 1970s, the timeline came together as a heartfelt look back at our history—complete with photos and stories from the people who helped build Empire Group. We’re excited to share this visual journey with everyone! Read more at https://www.esreading.com/celebrating-70-years-with-an-inspiring-timeline.

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Faces of Humanity

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Tackling a Complex Industrial Demolition

Empire Services was tasked with dismantling an enormous wastewater clarifier that encompassed 198 feet in diameter and 20 feet below ground level. The clarifier featured a complex interior slope and several built-in structures, making access a key challenge before demolition could even begin.

 

We used a small crane to lower a personnel lift into the circular tank. Once inside, a custom scaffold stair tower was erected to ensure safe and easy access for crew members. The personnel lift equipment was critical for enabling our team to perform torch-cutting on the interior components located high inside the structure. These included bridges, motor systems, radial water troughs, walkways and internal steel frames.

Nature's Symphony

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Faces of Humanity

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The 30th Annual Empire Group Golf Classic

On behalf of the Empire Group, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our Annual Golf Classic on October 4th at the beautiful Galen Hall Golf Club in Wernersville, PA. Read more at https://www.esreading.com/empire-group-hosts-30th-annual-golf-classic!

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Happy Retirement, Todd!

After 42 years of dedication, leadership, and hard work, Todd Quinter retired, leaving behind an incredible legacy at Empire Services.

 

We celebrated his remarkable career with a wonderful retirement lunch at Empire Group and thanked Todd for his years of expertise, guidance, and commitment. While we’ll miss his leadership, we wish him joy, adventure, and well-earned relaxation in this next chapter!

Nature's Symphony

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Faces of Humanity

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Empire Services Pickleball Open

Empire Services recently completed the restoration of Laurel Run Park in Reading, PA. Our team handled excavation, storm sewers, grading, drainage, and new landscaping—including pickleball courts.

 

And of course, we couldn’t resist testing the new courts! Gavin O’Neill (DVUC) and Ryan George (Empire Services) volunteered for a little inter-company rivalry. Gavin won the inaugural Empire Services Pickleball Open and has retained bragging rights until the next one.

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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At Empire Services, we are grateful for the opportunity to work these and all other projects, helping our customers achieve their goals. We also appreciate our team and everyone working behind the scenes to keep Empire Services operating safely and efficiently. We look forward to the projects we will be working on in 2026!

Celebrating 70 Years With an Inspiring Timeline

By Empire Services • November 24, 2025
What began as a simple timeline project quickly became a heartfelt journey through Empire Group’s living history. As dates, milestones, and old photographs came together, so did the stories—memories shared by former employees whose passion and dedication helped shape the company from the ground up. From dismantling a radio tower to demolishing a drive-in theater, their recollections painted a vivid portrait of a company built on grit, innovation, and camaraderie. Former employees Ray Geiger, Bob Nocera and Steve Beisswanger sat down with Ellen Ganime (Empire Group) to revisit decades of work, flipping through photo albums, and reliving the challenges and triumphs of past projects. As they talked, one thing was unmistakably clear: Empire Group’s story is not just about the jobs completed—it’s about the people whose shared experiences fueled the company’s growth. A Legacy Etched in Steel and Stone One of the many things that stood out during this project was the sheer scale and impact of Empire’s work over the decades. Vintage photos reveal the dramatic evolution of equipment, techniques, and industry standards. Many projects were so ambitious in scope that they gained national attention in magazines like Demolition and Constructioneer. Each snapshot served as a reminder of how far the company has come. More Than a Timeline—A Tribute What started as a historical record became something much more: a tribute to the people, progress, and perseverance that define Empire Group’s 70-year legacy. The timeline celebrates the company’s humble beginnings, its extraordinary achievements, and the enduring spirit that continues to drive it forward. A Big Thank You This project would not have come to life without the help from several people: Karen O’Neill Allen Dejewski Ryleigh Bohning Ellyn Harkin Tonia Carlile A special thank you to Todd and Harry O’Neill for sharing their extensive collection of articles and photos, and to Ray Geiger, Bob Nocera, and Steve Beisswanger for their great stories and photo albums. Be sure to stop by the training room to check out the timeline for yourself!

Strengthening Infrastructure: Empire Services Replaces a Failing Culvert in Berks County, PA

By Empire Services • November 17, 2025
In Centre township, PA a pipe culvert needed to be replaced due to age-related deterioration. The Centre Township Municipality Authority contracted Empire Services to replace a pipe culvert located beneath a busy roadway. The original 36” diameter concrete-and-metal pipe had not only deteriorated but also was undersized for the volume of water it needed to handle. Empire’s approach combined replacement and restoration. Using a CAT 321 excavator, the team swiftly removed the old culvert and installed 60 linear feet of 48-inch HDPE pipe, providing greater durability and improved flow capacity. To complete the project, Empire restored the asphalt roadway with fresh new paving ensuring a smooth, stable surface. The project was completed ahead of schedule in just three days. The Top Three Causes of Culvert Failure Many municipalities prefer culverts over bridges because they serve a similar purpose but are faster and more cost-effective to install. However, like any drainage structures, culverts can deteriorate over time or fail. With the Centre Township culvert, age was the reason for replacement. It’s one of the top three reasons for culvert failure: Design: A culvert that isn’t engineered to handle increasing local traffic loads or water flow can crack or collapse. Changes in land use or development can also increase flow demands, overloading the structure. Maintenance: Debris buildup, erosion, or overgrowth can restrict water flow, reducing capacity and leading to blockages or washouts. Age and Wear: Constant exposure to water and sediment gradually wears down the interior, especially the bottom (the invert), causing structural failure. Culvert: an Efficient Solution When water needs to pass safely beneath a road embankment, a culvert is the best solution. Designed to channel water efficiently, culverts help prevent erosion and minimize the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. While simple in structure, these underground drainage systems play a vital role in maintaining safe and functional roadways. Culverts are installed beneath roads, railways, or trails. Among the various types—such as box , arch, and slab—pipe culverts are the most common. They can be made from materials like aluminum, galvanized steel, concrete, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), depending on the project requirements. Empire Services has successfully completed numerous culvert replacements across Pennsylvania, from box structures to large-diameter pipe systems. Each project is handled with the same commitment to safety, efficiency, and quality workmanship that our clients have come to expect.

Emergency Demolition: When Disaster Strikes

By Empire Services • October 28, 2025
No one ever expects an emergency demolition situation—until it happens. Whether it’s a roof that suddenly caves in, walls that are crumbling under the weight of age, the aftermath of a fire or a severe weather event, the need for emergency demolition can arise without warning. That’s why hav ing a reliable, experienced demolition company ready to respond quickly is essential. At Empire Services, we understand the critical importance of emergency demolition, not just for removing dangerous structures, but also for protecting the people and property around them. Here’s why emergency demolition is so vital and how we can keep your property and community safe during emergencies.

Empire Group Hosts 30th Annual Golf Classic

By Empire Services • October 14, 2025
On behalf of the Empire Group, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our Annual Golf Classic on October 4 th at the beautiful Galen Hall Golf Club in Wernersville, PA. It’s hard to believe this marked the 30th year of the tournament! Although this was Empire Group's first time hosting the event at this historic venue, we have deep roots at Galen Hall — Empire Services demolished the original Galen Hall Hotel back in 1963 following a devastating fire. Since then, the golf club has remained a local landmark, known for its scenic views and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the cool early morning, 99 golfers were warmed up and ready for the 8 AM shot gun start leading to some fun but competitive golfing. After the final putt dropped, everyone gathered for a hearty lunch followed by the award ceremonies. Shout out to the winners of all categories and the raffle!

Wrapping Up a Hot Summer

By Empire Services • September 29, 2025
This summer, Empire Services proved that even scorching heat can’t slow us down. Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly across the region, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. From precise pipe installations to complex industrial dismantling, we brought the talent, equipment, and dedication needed to deliver safe and successful results. Below are some of our recent project highlights that showcase the range of services Empire Services provides.

Hard Hats and Homework: How Empire Services Keeps School Projects on Track

By Empire Services • September 15, 2025
School demolition and sitework projects come with a unique set of challenges: tight timelines, limited space, sensitive environments, and the need to avoid disruptions to student learning. Whether it’s a complete building demolition or utility work, every site requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. At Empire Services, we understand the pressure and precision required in educational demolition projects. That’s why schools across Pennsylvania—from elementary to college campuses—trust us to get the job done right.

Empire Services Tackles a Complex Industrial Demolition

By Empire Services • September 2, 2025
At Empire Services, we pride ourselves on taking on some of the most challenging industrial demolition projects in the region—and delivering safe, efficient, and precise results every time. One of our most recent projects in Delaware County, PA, exemplifies the level of experience, strategy, and innovation our team brings to the table. Clarifying a Clarifier Clarifiers play a vital role in wastewater treatment by removing suspended solids through the process of gravity settling. These sedimentation tanks separate solid particulates from liquid, producing two distinct outputs: clarified water and concentrated sludge. Far from being just mechanical components, clarifiers are essential to the overall efficiency and success of any water or wastewater treatment system. Available in various shapes and sizes, most clarifiers are circular—an optimal design that promotes maximum settling efficiency. However, their large scale and unique structures can present challenges when it comes to access and maintenance. That’s why strategic planning is crucial when it comes time to dismantle these critical systems safely and effectively. A Giant Shark Tank: Removing a 198-Foot Wastewater Clarifier Empire Services was tasked with dismantling an enormous wastewater clarifier that stood 198 feet in diameter and 20 feet below ground level. The clarifier featured a complex interior slope and several built-in structures, making access a key challenge before demolition could even begin. With most industrial demolition projects, the interior must be cleared before any exterior dismantling can occur. But in this case, even getting inside the structure required a creative solution. We used a small crane to lower a personnel lift into the circular tank. Once inside, a custom scaffold stair tower was erected to ensure safe and easy access for crew members. The personnel lift equipment was critical for enabling our team in torch-cutting the interior components located high inside the structure. These included: Bridges Motor systems Radial water troughs Walkways Internal steel frames From Demolishing to Salvaging Whether it's removing massive industrial equipment, demolishing entire structures, or salvaging mechanical systems, Empire Services brings: Advanced equipment Proven demolition techniques Highly trained crews A commitment to safety and efficiency This Delaware County project is just one example of how we go above and beyond to meet complex industrial demolition challenges.
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A New Water Service for Cathedral Village

By Empire Services • August 20, 2025
Empire Services, an Empire Group affiliate, was contacted by general contractor P.J. Dick to install a domestic water line in Cathedral Village’s Philadelphia (PA) facility. Cathedral Village is a large multi-state retirement community offering a variety of living options and a total of 416 units.

Transforming Underutilized Spaces at Governor Mifflin Middle School & High School

By Empire Services • July 15, 2025
At Empire Services, we specialize in transforming large, complex spaces - and few environments are more dynamic than today’s schools. We’re proud to take part in another school renovation in Berks County, PA, where we’re currently working on exciting renovation projects at Governor Mifflin Middle School and High School.

Celebrating 70 Years of Transformation: The Empire Group Timeline

By Empire Services • July 1, 2025
Ellen Ganime Not many people can say they’ve experienced the full arc of a company’s evolution in a single sitting; yet, I had the honor of doing just that while helping create a timeline for Empire Group’s 70th anniversary. What began as a modest demolition and excavation firm (Empire Wrecking) has grown into a regional powerhouse (Empire Group) with five thriving affiliates, forever changing the landscape of Reading, PA, and beyond. From Demolition to Utility Work It’s not just the Empire Wrecking (dba Empire Services) projects that are interesting—it’s also the affiliates ( Elk Environmental Services, DVC , DVUC , Empire Services, and Berks Transfer ) that were born out of necessity. Each one represents a solution to a challenge encountered on the job site. Over the years, these companies emerged organically, each one reinforcing the next while staying rooted in Empire Group’s foundational expertise. Seeing their formation laid out on the timeline, each connected to the Empire name, brings a swell of pride. Together, they form a tightly woven network that supports and enhances every project, expanding the company’s capabilities and impact. A Journey Through the Decades The timeline project is more than just compiling dates and milestones—it’s a journey through Empire Group’s living history. I had the pleasure of sitting down with former employees whose passion, dedication, and stories brought the company’s legacy to life. From dismantling a radio tower to demolishing a racetrack, their experiences painted a vivid picture of a company built on hard work, innovation, and camaraderie. Former employees Bob Nocera and Steve Beisswanger shared unforgettable stories about complex projects and the bonds formed on job sites as we pored over countless pictures. Listening to them reminisce, it was clear: Empire Group isn’t just about the projects—it’s about the people and shared experiences that have played a crucial role in the company’s development. A Legacy Etched in Steel and Stone What stood out most during the timeline creation was the scale and impact of Empire’s work. Old photographs showed the dramatic evolution of equipment and techniques—proof of how far the company has evolved. In many cases, Empire tackled projects so impressive in scale and complexity that they were featured in national publications, such as Demolition Magazine and Constructioneer, as well as many various location publications. More Than a Timeline—A Tribute This timeline became more than a historical record; it became a tribute to the people and the progress that have defined Empire Group for over seven decades. It’s a reminder of the company’s roots, its remarkable growth, and the enduring spirit that continues to drive it forward. As we celebrate this 70-year milestone, there’s a collective sense of pride in everything Empire Group has accomplished. From its humble beginnings to shaping skylines, the journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s to 70 more years!
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