The close proximity of an eighteenth century historic Brethren Meeting House to a brick farm house erected in 1868 prompted the Owner to want to physically connect the two structures and renovate to expand living space. The July ’93 issue of Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage accurately noted at the time that, “the building is rapidly losing its integrity. Window frames are falling out and panes are broken. The roof leaks into the dwelling and is rotting the floorboards and beams through two levels: doors are out of square. The structure requires immediate attention.” By the time K&KA was contracted to take the lead with the project, the meeting house was in eminent danger of collapse, prompting the call for immediate temporary structural bracing. The design work focused on comprehensive restoration, structural cutting and patching, and the development of a sensitive linkage between the two structures.

The Magdalena House was built c. 1780 by Jacob Engle, the first bishop of the Old Order River Brethren; the farm house was later built by J.N. and E. Engle. The owner’s “sunroom” that now connects the two structures functions much like a fully conditioned breezeway that can be completely opened up for through ventilation and circulation from the front yard to the rear herb gardens and kitchen entry. The renovation work includes the installation of new structural timber floor framing with restored boards and reclaimed pine wood flooring, restored and replica custom windows, restored and replica doors and door hardware, and the complete restoration of two fireplaces.