THE PINES OPPORTUNITY CENTER

Imagine having to tear down our historic structures because they don’t meet current code. That would have happened to this historic structure if not for the consideration of an observant architect. DESIGN CONCEPTS was awarded this project after successfully demonstrating to the owner that their previous architects’ building assessment report had some significant flaws in its approach to the building. When the report concluded that the historic portion of this structure did not meet code and recommended demolition, DESIGN CONCEPTS was able to demonstrate to the owner how the building could be rehabilitated and effectively reused within the context of the Existing Building Code.

At the center of this building lies a residence from the late 1800’s known as The Pines. After the original owner contracted polio in 1934, he left his house and land for the express purpose of establishing a healing and therapeutic facility for “crippled children”. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and members of his cabinet visited Berkeley Springs about this time to promote the advancement of the Pines Foundation. The Pines gradually transformed into the local hospital. Several additions over the course of decades have enveloped the original gabled house.

Other Historic and Non-Historic Renovations, Restorations and Rehabilitations we designed...