Potter Township, Pennsylvania
Potter Township
Rocky Bend Park
Blending Barn #1 Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation Project
Adaptive Reuse, Condition Assessment
2017 - 2023
Located on the site of the former Department of Defense (DoD) WWII facility, the Blending Barns at Potter Township's Rocky Bend Park are two of the few remaining structures which were original to the Potter Aviation Fuel Tank Farm. As part of a larger master plan initiative, a structural and condition assessment was performed to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating and adaptively reusing the structures. Stemming from this examination, Landmarks also developed conceptual plans and renderings for a larger, more highly developed zone at the heart of the park which would serve the needs of both general park users and the Independence Conservancy.
Blending Barns
The two concrete and steel blending "barns" were constructed as part of the original DoD Tank Farm and, like the rest of the wartime facility, were creatively "camouflaged" as agricultural structures to avoid suspicion. Blending Barn no.1 has the potential to be converted into a significant element for the park's program, and is far more intact than Blending Barn no.2. It was decided that the best course was to rehabilitate the structure as a pavilion and storage facility for the park. The lower level of the blending barn will be used as a secure storage facility and the upper level will be an open-air pavilion.
Development Zone Complex
The master plan identified the area of the park along Raccoon Creek Road for a more intensive future development complex. This "Development Zone" will include the main parking area along with several buildings. The Independence Conservancy, a driving force behind the park, wishes to remain an onsite presence to help provide a sense of security to the park and assist with maintenance. With this in mind, Landmarks created concept plans and renderings of the complex of buildings proposed for the development zone.