Emergency demolition projects often come with unique challenges, but when historical preservation is involved, the stakes are even higher. At Empire Services, we specialize in tackling these complex situations with expertise and precision, ensuring that both safety and historical integrity are maintained. Our recent partial emergency demolition project on Penn Street in Reading, PA, is a perfect example of how we combine quick response times, specialized equipment, and skilled teamwork to protect valuable structures.
Precision Emergency Demolition: Preserving History at Penn Street
Empire Services • March 24, 2025
A Historic Facade at Risk
The building on Penn Street in Reading, PA, where we recently performed a partial emergency demolition, had a distinctive façade that needed special care. Originally part of the Reading News Building constructed in 1912, this façade was relocated to its current spot in 1982 as part of a preservation initiative. Empire Services is very familiar with this historic part of the building since they teamed up with Eshbach Brothers to carefully reinstall the façade. The façade is a beautiful example of beaux-arts architecture, featuring intricate details like pendant grapes and dentils, adding elegance and character to the downtown area.
Unfortunately, time had taken its toll on the building. A partial roof collapse threatened the integrity of the entire structure, causing the exterior wall to buckle. To make matters worse, the building’s rooftop HVAC duct system was adding significant weight, accelerating the collapse and increasing the risk of further damage to the structure.
The Challenge of Preserving History
The City of Reading made it clear that preserving the historic façade was a priority. Given the delicate nature of the situation, Empire Services had to act quickly but with great care. The team needed to remove the collapsing roof, relieve pressure from the structure, and prevent further damage to the building. This was not a typical demolition; it required a strategic and methodical approach, which is where our specialized equipment and experience came into play.
Precision Demolition with Heavy Equipment
To carefully remove the failing roof and minimize the risk of damaging the structure, Empire Services utilized two 160-ton hydraulic truck cranes, one equipped with a skid pan and the other a personnel basket. With no direct access to the building and limited movement due to the challenging location, our crew performed the demolition work from high above.
The first task was to remove the large-diameter ductwork that was contributing to the collapse. Rigging the ductwork was tricky, but our experienced team worked efficiently. We carefully cut the ductwork free and used one crane to lift and lower it to the ground, eliminating the added weight that was exacerbating the roof’s failure.
A Delicate Process of Removal
Once the duct work was safely removed, we shifted focus to the roof. Our team began sectioning the damaged roof, demolishing the roof structure from a crane suspended personnel basket while loading debris into a second crane suspended skid pan for removal. This process was intricate and required a high level of skill to ensure that no damage was done to the remaining structure and façade.
Working from a crane suspended basket added to the complexity of the task. Restricted movement and the need for precise execution meant that every action had to be planned and coordinated. It was a delicate process, but Empire Services' team had the experience and skill to execute the demolition with the care required.
At Empire Services, we pride ourselves on our ability to handle emergency demolitions that involve both safety and historical preservation. The successful partial emergency demolition of the building on Penn Street in Reading, PA, is a testament to our commitment to quality, precision, and care. By utilizing specialized equipment, strategic planning, and expert teamwork, we were able to safely remove the collapsing roof while preserving the historic façade for future generations to enjoy.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
As communities evolve over time, preserving their history creates opportunities for the future, which is what truly drives redevelopment. In Reading, Pennsylvania, that balance is taking shape within the Prince Historic District, where a nearly century-old industrial property is being transformed into modern senior apartments. Empire Services is proud to play a role in this exciting redevelopment project, helping prepare the site for its next chapter while honoring the area's rich heritage.
If you ever played the game Operation , you probably remember the pressure. One wrong move with the tweezers and suddenly the buzzer sounded, Cavity Sam’s nose lit up, and your turn was over. Winning the game required patience, coordination, and a steady hand. That same level of precision is happening right now on one of Empire Services’ industrial demolition projects. Empire Services has been contracted by Warfel Construction Company to remove an old roof and support structure at a processing plant to prepare the space for brand new roof construction. While roof demolition may sound straightforward, this project is anything but ordinary. Directly beneath the roof, located in the middle of the active processing plant, are vital active utility lines that can’t be disrupted, creating a high-stakes environment where every cut matters. Just like the game Operation , the Empire Services team must work carefully, methodically, and strategically to avoid “touching the sides."
When it comes to successful site development, everything starts from the ground up. At Empire Services, bulk earthwork isn’t just about moving dirt; it’s about building the foundation for long-term performance, safety, and sustainability. A recent project at a medical complex in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcases how strategic earthmoving and full-service site work come together to deliver lasting results.
When businesses grow, their spaces need to evolve with them. Whether it’s reconfiguring an office layout or repurposing an older industrial property, renovation is often the key to unlocking a company’s full potential. For many organizations, purchasing an existing structure offers the space they need—but it also presents the challenge of transforming it into something functional, safe, and future-ready. That was the case for Empire Services with the pit project at a former manufacturing facility.
