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PROJECT DETAILS

The Wilbur Lititz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½app Construction teamed with Oak Tree Development and RLPS Architects to provide preconstruction and construction management services for the adaptive reuse of the former Wilbur Chocolate Factory Building. The 130,000-square-foot historic building is located on a three-acre site in the heart of Lititz. Through a collaborative effort to overcome the project’s challenges, the team delivered a 74-room luxury boutique hotel, shell space for 26 high-end condominiums, retail and commercial spaces, and a new parking garage, all overlooking the adjacent Lititz Springs Park.

CLIENT

Oak Tree Development Group

DELIVERY METHOD

Construction Manager at Risk

LOCATION

Lititz, PA

SQUARE FOOTAGE

130,000

MARKET(S)

Hospitality

COMPLETION DATE

August 2019

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½app Construction provided sound management, demonstrated thorough professional knowledge during all phases of the project, and was committed and focused on delivering a quality project. In the revitalization of an existing chocolate factory into a 74-room luxury hotel and twenty-six condominiums, there were many existing challenges that the team was able to overcome to deliver a successful project.

C. Eric Scott, CCIM, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations of Oak Tree Development Group

Construction and Site Complexities

The Wilbur Redevelopment project presented numerous construction complexities that required strategic problem-solving and highly coordinated execution. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½app was brought onto the project by Oak Tree Development under a strict occupancy deadline, as the historic building had remained vacant and was in urgent need of revitalization. Balancing the intricacies of renovating a historic structure with the demands of modern construction left very little flexibility in the schedule. One of the most significant challenges involved the discovery of solid rock beneath the existing basement, which complicated the installation of the new elevator pits. Low head clearances further restricted the use of conventional excavation equipment, requiring various specialized rock removal techniques. These unforeseen conditions impacted both the schedule and budget, demanding the use of unique equipment and continual adaptation to keep the project moving forward as scheduled.

Water Management and Infrastructure Constraints

Beyond the structural obstacles, the building’s proximity to the Lititz Spring and a naturally high water table required the team to work with design consultants and a dewatering contractor to implement a reliable waterproofing and drainage system. Infrastructure limitations extended to the surrounding roads, as the site was located along a very heavily trafficked area. Careful coordination with the Borough was essential for road and lane closures, which allowed for both work on the building façade and  road improvements to take place. Meanwhile, interior structural challenges including aged stair towers and outdated building components required creative planning and proactive solutions. The team anticipated future needs and presented solutions to the owner early, ensuring work remained aligned with the aggressive timeline and that no detail was overlooked.

Coordination and Communication

The nature of this project, transforming a historic building into a mixed-use destination, required extensive coordination with a wide array of stakeholders. The project had to meet both client expectations and the Borough’s zoning requirements, all while preserving the historic charm of the surrounding community. Multiple contractors worked on the site simultaneously, striving to meet the deadline. In addition to physical coordination, all tenant communication occurred virtually, further complicating the process. With tenants ranging from a boutique hotel and high-end condominiums to a restaurant, each required adherence to specific design and branding standards. Many of these businesses were located across the country, meaning the team had to manage competing priorities and detailed specifications remotely while maintaining consistent progress on-site.

The Vision and Historic Integration

The Wilbur Redevelopment project seamlessly combined history with innovation. From concept to completion, the team remained focused on preserving the architectural heritage of the building while introducing a modern, sustainable, and functional space. Design, functionality, and aesthetics were carefully balanced, with the boutique hotel laying the foundation for how the rest of the mixed-use project would evolve. Every element—from exterior finishes to interior detailing—was intentionally designed to reflect both the character of the past and the expectations of a luxury destination. The project required intricate coordination between the client, tenants, and design teams, ensuring all custom elements came together as a cohesive, well-planned whole. Despite the challenges inherent in working with an aged and historically significant structure, the team treated each obstacle as an opportunity, delivering a vibrant and enduring addition to the community.

Key Partners

RLPS Architects
Floss Barber, Inc.
Providence Engineering Corporation
RGS Associates Inc.

Project Features

Adaptive reuse and expansion of the existing Wilbur Chocolate Factory
Shell space for 36 high-end condominiums overlooking the Lititz Springs Park
Boutique hotel with shell space for 74 rooms
Retail Space

Awards

Award of Excellence - Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors

Award of Excellence - National Associated Builders and Contractors

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