Summer is Heating Up for Empire Services

Preserving the past while preparing for the future requires a well-thought-out plan with a very careful, specialized approach that includes experience and the specialized equipment to execute the plan. In Berks County, Pennsylvania, barns are more than familiar sights along the rolling hills and country roads in the area. They represent generations of agricultural history, traditional craftsmanship, and the backbone of rural farming communities. Today, some of these historic sights are finding new purposes, including educational spaces. That is exactly what is happening at an institute dedicated to researching and teaching organic and sustainable farming practices. A historic Pennsylvania bank barn is undergoing an extensive renovation to become a modern training and classroom facility. Empire Services is proud to take part in this transformation, providing interior and exterior demolition services to make this unique vision a reality. A Historic Pennsylvania Bank Barn Gets a New Purpose Built in 1819, the barn is a traditional Pennsylvania bank barn featuring a forebay, banked access, and multiple levels. These architectural characteristics are common throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, where barns were designed around the practical demands of farming and the cultural influences of the families who built them. For generations, Pennsylvania barns served a variety of agricultural purposes. Depending on their design and location, they provided shelter for livestock, storage for hay and equipment, and space for specialized activities such as curing tobacco. Many barns throughout Berks County and surrounding communities have since been converted into event venues, designated as historic landmarks, or removed to accommodate new development. Others continue to serve agricultural operations or have been repurposed for educational use. A non-profit organization is turning a historic barn into a state-of-the-art training and educational facility focused on sustainable farming. Empire Services is eager to get to the barn’s “roots” for the renovation. This particular project presents a unique renovation challenge. Constructed in the early 19th century, it predates modern building codes and has no original as-built plans. Over the years, additional access points, interior rooms, and structural modifications were introduced, creating a complex building that requires careful planning before reconstruction can begin. Rather than replace the structure, the project aims to preserve its historical relevance while adapting it to meet the demands of a modern educational environment.

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’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.

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.

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.

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.