Pennsylvania Farm Show
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
1.2 million SF
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Historic Preservation

One of the nation's oldest and largest indoor agricultural fairs, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is home to the annual state agricultural fair as well as over 400 other events. In 1929, the Commonwealth provided funding for the construction of the facility, construction on which extended over a decade.

The Commonwealth selected the design team to perform an evaluation of the historic complex and offer recommendations for renovation and expansion. The Design Team led a multidiscipline team responsible for the renovation of the historic structure and its expansion, making it one of the largest agricultural venues in the country.

The work includes 350,000 square feet of new space complementing the existing 650,000 square feet, a new central plant, renovation of all historic structures and parking and site improvements. The addition includes an Equine Hall and Barn Complex, a vast Exposition Hall with large column-free spaces, and a new main public entrance featuring a 160-foot-long mural depicting the four seasons of Pennsylvania agriculture.

The renovation required careful, detailed assessment and mapping of the exterior building envelope to identify type, location and severity of the masonry deterioration, the impact of the deterioration on the historic bas-relief insert panels, life safety issues, and designing a repair program within a very limited budget.

Opening for the 2003 Pennsylvania Farm Show, over 1,000,000 persons attended, smashing previous attendance records. All work was completed while maintaining operations and allowing key events to take place.

The project also included 500,000 square feet of roof replacement and rehabilitation of the two miles of glazing of the historic monitors.

Copyright and photography – RMJM/Hillier Architecture.