Marina’s complex copper penny roof is riverfront star
The opening of a sparkling new $6 million multifunctional building at Ridley Township Marina in Delaware County, Pa., marks the final step in modernizing the facility. It also confirms the wisdom of the decision made in 2002 by the Board of Commissioners to purchase the last remaining parcel of land in the township as open space. With perseverance, demolition of several old buildings and gradual improvements over the years, the marina is now a destination bright spot on Darby Creek, just a scant three-quarters of a mile from the entrance to the Delaware River.
Designed by Catania Engineering Associates in Milmont Park, Pa., the 10,000-sq.-ft. building consists of a 7,000-sq.-ft. restaurant and bar and 3,000 sq. ft. dedicated to the Ridley Township Marina offices. The restaurant presents a highly contemporary décor with an architectural folding glass wall that provides waterfront views for patrons sitting at the 40-ft. bar.
The gabled, multi-level roof includes a signature lookout tower with a widow’s walk and New England-style cupola. The roof is clad with 10,500 sq. ft. of Petersen’s Snap-Clad panels finished in metallic Copper Penny color. Additionally, 1,500 sq. ft. of vented PAC-750 Soffit Panels in matching Copper Penny were utilized.
Installation of the PAC-CLAD profiles was done by E.P. Donnelly Inc. in Warrington, Pa. The job originally was spec’d using a competitive product, said project manager Gerry Campi. “When I saw that, I told the GC that Petersen was a much better product and the GC made the switch,” Campi said. “We use the Snap-Clad profile regularly. It snaps together the best. It’s a really nice product.”
The job was challenging with complex detailing and steep slopes. “Our guys were tied off 100 percent of the time,” Campi said. “But it turned out great. When you’re coming down I-95 through Philly, that Copper Penny roof really stands out.”
The general contractor on the project was J.S. McManus Inc. in Chester Heights, Pa.
