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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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.

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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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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.

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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!

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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.

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Faces of Humanity

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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!

Empire Services Helps Transform a Living Landmark

By Empire Services • October 27, 2026
Pennsylvania is home to historic landmarks that tell the story of the people, places, and ideas that shaped the nation. From Reading’s industrial heritage to Philadelphia’s historic sites and Valley Forge, these places connect the past with the future. Some are distinguished not only by their physical structures but also by their enduring contributions to society. In Chester County, Empire Services is helping to shape the future of a living landmark through an extensive interior demolition project. Contracted by The Norwood Company, the team is removing existing interior components to prepare the property for a multi-year revitalization initiative.

Empire Group Celebrates 31st Annual Golf Classic at Scenic Galen Hall Golf Club

By Empire Services • October 12, 2026
Empire Group’s 31st Annual Golf Classic brought customers, colleagues, and friends together for a memorable day of golf and friendly competition on October 3rd at the historic Galen Hall Golf Club in Wernersville, PA. We truly appreciate all the players who participated in our highly anticipated event. Despite a chilly start, 92 golfers arrived ready to hit the course for an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The crisp fall weather set the stage for a fantastic day of great shots and friendly rivalries. After the final putt dropped, players gathered for a large buffet lunch followed by the tournament’s award ceremony and raffle. It was fun to see the winners select their prizes! At Empire Group, we value the relationships we’ve built with our customers and partners over the years. Events like the Annual Golf Classic are a wonderful opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen partnerships.

The Summer of Culverts

By Empire Services • October 1, 2026
This summer, Empire Services stayed busy tackling culvert replacement projects across multiple counties. Each project presented its own unique challenges—from working around an active golf course to removing severely corroded piping and completing excavation in tight workspaces. Through it all, our crews brought their “A” game, combining experience, knowledge, and the right equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Torch Cutting: An Important Part of the Demolition Process

By Empire Services • September 23, 2026
When a building is scheduled for demolition, the first image that often comes to mind is an excavator tearing through concrete, brick, and steel. While heavy machinery does much of the work, demolition rarely relies on a single machine. Successful demolition combines equipment, experienced operators, careful planning, and specialized techniques to safely dismantle components and remove challenging materials. One technique is torch cutting for separating structural steel and other metal components that heavy equipment cannot always remove efficiently. For experienced demolition contractors like Empire Services, knowing when and how to use torch cutting helps crews complete complex demolition projects.

A Busy Summer for Empire Services

By Empire Services • September 4, 2026
It’s hard to believe summer is winding down! Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly across the region, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. From complex industrial dismantling to precision culvert installation, we brought the talent, equipment, and dedication needed to deliver safe and successful results. Below are some of our summer project highlights.

A Day of Fun, Family and Lasting Memories

By Empire Services • August 26, 2026
On Saturday, August 15th, Empire Group employees and their families gathered at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, for a day filled with good food, laughter, classic rides, and quality time together. With nearly 100 employees and family members in attendance, this year’s Empire Group Family Fun Day was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the daily routine and enjoy being together. A Picnic Lunch to Kick Off the Day Before heading into the park, everyone gathered for a delicious picnic lunch featuring plenty of summertime favorites. A big thank you goes to Russ and Kristi Mountjoy for preparing the meal, providing the food, and manning the grill. With full plates and plenty of good conversation, it was the perfect way to start the day. Then, it was time to head into the park for roller coasters, train rides, games, and attractions. Making Memories, One Ride at a Time Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed all the park had to offer. Some took on the thrills of the rides, while others enjoyed a more leisurely day exploring the park. Rick and Melissa Dom took a relaxing train ride with their Yorkie-Poo, Ahsoka Tano. Meanwhile, Ellyn Harkin's niece and nephew may have been too small to ride the famous Phoenix wooden coaster, but that didn't stop them from getting in on the fun. They posed for a memorable picture in one of the coaster's cars instead! This year’s location was especially fitting. Knoebels is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The park traces its roots to 1926, when Henry Knoebel opened a swimming pool, restaurant, and carousel at his farm near Elysburg. Over the past century, Knoebels has grown into a beloved Pennsylvania destination with more than 100 rides and attractions, while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that has been part of its story from the beginning. Celebrating Empire Group's Family Fun Day at a Pennsylvania attraction with a century of family memories behind it was a fitting way to celebrate our own company family, with 70 years of memories and our 10 th anniversary at Knoebels. A Special Thank You We extend our heartfelt thanks to Todd & Karen O’Neill and Harry & Cathy O’Neill for making this special day possible. Their generosity and thoughtfulness allowed employees and their families to come together and enjoy one another’s company outside of the workplace. More Than a Day at the Park This event brought the entire Empire Group together, creating fun memories while enjoying a wonderful lunch, friendship, and a variety of classic rides. It’s just one of the many events the company hosts to celebrate employees and build connections. These moments of joy and community are what make Empire Group feel like a family. We can’t wait until next year’s Family Fun Day!

Taking on the Challenge of Preparing Pennsylvania Schools for the New Year

By Empire Services • August 18, 2026

How Empire Services Helps Transform Reading, PA Properties

By Empire Services • August 6, 2026
Demolition is about more than tearing something down. It is often the first step toward giving an existing property a new purpose. An outdated building may need to be removed for new construction, an aging structure may need to be carefully dismantled while preserving portions of the property, or an existing space may need to be stripped down before it can be renovated. In urban environments, such as Reading, PA, these projects can present unique challenges. Buildings being demolished are sometimes located close to homes, businesses, and other structures, which can make job site space limited, reroute pedestrians and vehicles, and necessitate protection of utilities and other infrastructure. Completing this type of demolition requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and an experienced workforce that understands how to work safely in limited spaces. Empire Services brings that experience and precision to challenging demolition projects throughout Reading and the tri-state area.

Culvert Replacement: Preserving Infrastructure, Protecting Communities for the Future

By Empire Services • July 22, 2026
When people think about roads and transportation infrastructure, bridges and highways often come to mind. Yet some of the most important infrastructure is hidden beneath our feet. Storm sewer culverts carry water under roads, railroads, driveways, and embankments, preventing flooding, protecting roadways, and preserving the surrounding environment. Although they are rarely noticed, culverts play a vital role in keeping communities safe. When these underground structures begin to fail, the consequences can include flooding, roadway damage, sinkholes, traffic disruptions, and costly emergency repairs. At Empire Services, preserving infrastructure means staying ahead of these problems. The company's experienced crews recently completed a storm sewer culvert replacement project for Earl Township, restoring an aging drainage system that will continue protecting the roadway and surrounding properties for years to come.

Summer is Heating Up for Empire Services

By Empire Services • June 29, 2026
Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly this spring, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. As summer begins, our team continues to tackle a variety of projects, from precise school upgrades to intricate industrial demolitions. Below are some of our recent project highlights.
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