In 2010, Ludgate Engineering Corporation (LEC) replaced the Berks County IDA's prior engineer on the Berks Park 78 Project.   Berks Park 78 is a large industrial development site located along Rt. 501 and I-78 in Bethel Township, Berks County.  Construction was stalled, several design issues were unresolved, municipal permits were in limbo, and no tenants had been secured.

Our assignment was clear.  Correct the issues which were stalling the construction process, clear up all pending design issues, and obtain the permits and approvals needed for these industrial sites to be sold.

Several months later, LEC had achieved all of those objectives, but we did even more.  We improved the design in several ways that reduced construction costs, improved the salability of the lots, and added valuable additional real estate to the plan in the form of two additional lots.  As a result of our team's work PetSmart soon purchased the 87+ acre Lot 1.  Pet Smart's 870,000+ sq. ft. logistics facility is nearly ready for full commercial operation.

Lot 2 however, presented a bigger challenge.  We at LEC drew a preliminary land development plan and obtained Bethel Township approval.  With that approval achieved, Dollar General was convinced that Lot 2 could be shovel ready in time to meet their ambitious schedule.

Lot 2 Dollar General 2013

However, Dollar General wanted several changes made from the approved Preliminary Plan.  These changes were designed by Dollar General's own Consultant, Leo A. Daly Engineers.  At LEC we integrated the Leo A. Daly designs into our plan for Lot 2; but more was required.  We also assured those changes were retrofit into the overall plan of Berks Park 78.

After a few months, the Daly/Ludgate cooperative Final Land Development Plans were approved.  Now construction of the Dollar General facility is proceeding full speed ahead.  We are proud to say the earthwork is completed with an approximate one million square foot pad constructed in an 109+ acre site which had over 60 feet of elevation differential.

The keys to bringing Dollar General to Berks Park 78 were:

-  Creating a credible, approved Preliminary Land Development to 

   convince Dollar General the site was shovel ready

-  Working cooperatively with Leo A. Daly to make beneficial changes 

   to the Preliminary Plan

-  Secure a prompt, complete Final Plan approval

-  Assure the plan integrates fully with the overall plan of Berks Park 

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-  While doing the above, balance cuts and fills to maintain affordable 

    site construction costs