This summer, we packed our virtual bags and hit the road, taking you along for the ride as we toured nine exciting destinations where Providence Engineering played a part in shaping the experience. From amusement parks and historic landmarks to breweries and boutique hotels, our Summer Roadtrip with Providence series spotlighted projects that blend structural ingenuity with local character.
Whether you’re planning your next Pennsylvania day trip or just curious about the stories behind some iconic spaces, we’re recapping the full tour below.
Stop 1: Turkey Hill Experience – Columbia, PA
Once an abandoned silk mill from 1899, this 65,688 SF building sat empty for 25 years before it was transformed into a hands-on, ice cream-filled attraction. Providence Engineering was proud to play a role in the structural design, breathing new life into the historic brick exterior with new wood and steel framing.
It’s the perfect mix of local history and family fun — and just a short drive away from our headquarters.
Stop 2: Rusty Rail Brewing Company – Mifflinburg, PA
This 50,280 SF space was once a Ford truck factory — now, it’s one of the most unique microbreweries in the state, complete with a pub, banquet facility, and timber-framed beer garden.
Providence Engineering helped bring this transformation to life with structural design that preserved the building’s historic character while supporting big changes. Our work included load rating analysis for elevated floors, timber beam and column reinforcements, and steel supports for new brick archways. Our team also designed supports for brewing equipment, a beer garden fountain, and integrated a new interior stair and elevator into the existing space.
Stop 3: Cartoon Network Hotel – Lancaster, PA
Planning a trip to Lancaster, PA or spending the day at Dutch Wonderland? Make it a getaway to remember with a stay at the Cartoon Network Hotel — a colorful, kid-friendly destination just seconds from the park! We’re highlighting this 65,000 SF project that brought animated adventures to life. Our team provided structural design for major renovations to two existing buildings — including a new steel-framed canopy, updated lobby features, and repairs to cantilevered concrete walkways.
From reimagining the entryway to reinforcing the magic behind the scenes, our team helped create a space where imagination meets comfort — and cartoons rule the day.
Stop 4: Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, PA
Our team designed structural renovations and a new addition to this iconic retail and entertainment spot — where visitors get to make their own chocolate bars. The addition features steel joists and framing supported by masonry walls on shallow spread footings, and a strong foundation for all the fun.
Perfect for families and chocolate lovers — see how Providence Engineering helps bring the sweetest experiences to life!
Stop 5: Knoebels Amusement Park Impulse – Elysburg, PA
Headed to Knoebels Amusement Resort this summer? While you’re there, be sure to check out Impulse — the park’s steel roller coaster with a Providence connection!
Our team designed the elevated loading platform for Impulse, carefully engineering it to maintain safe clearance from the coaster’s reach zone while allowing for smooth passenger loading and unloading. We also provided anchorage design for the steel stairs and handrails — all to keep the thrills safe and steady.
Stop 6: Dragon’s Den – Homestead, PA
The Dragon’s Den is a one-of-a-kind community recreation center inside a beautifully renovated Italianate Renaissance church.
Our team provided structural design for the center’s standout features: a high and low ropes course and a 150-foot indoor zipline that stretches the length of the former sanctuary. The zipline is anchored to an existing balcony and masonry wall, while the ropes courses are supported by timber poles, steel brackets, and wood-framed platforms integrated into the original architecture.
Whether you’re climbing, zipping, or cheering from the ground, it’s a must-visit destination for families and adventurers alike.
Stop 7: Bowman Field – Williamsport, PA
Headed to a Williamsport Crosscutters game this summer? Don’t miss Bowman Field — one of the oldest operating minor league stadiums in the country.
To help preserve this Pennsylvania landmark while enhancing the fan experience, our team designed an elevated seating bowl using steel framing and reinforced concrete, relocated dugouts to classic baseline positions, and addressed structural deficiencies by evaluating and designing repairs for deteriorated steel elements.
Whether you’re there for the peanuts, the pitch, or the nostalgia, Bowman Field is a great summer daytrip destination.
Stop 8: Fulton Theatre – Lancaster, PA
If you’re exploring Lancaster this summer, make sure to stop by the historic Fulton Theatre — the oldest working theatre in the United States.
Our team supported a multi-phase renovation and expansion, preserving the existing façade and seamlessly integrating new spaces including a welcome atrium, 2-story dance studio, workshop support areas, and office space. Tight site constraints and the building’s historic nature made this project especially complex, but also incredibly rewarding.
Structural highlights include Lancaster City’s first “blue roof,” a cantilevered dance studio over a loading dock, and carefully coordinated work across multiple building elevations and existing utilities.
Stop 9: Sesame Place – Langhorne, PA
Since 2004, our team has supported this beloved theme park with structural reviews of its non-building structures — everything from ride platforms and bleacher seating to bridges, canopies, and trestles. These biennial assessments help keep the park on track with their maintenance and safety plan.
It’s been a joy highlighting some of the destinations where Providence Engineering has left a mark — and we hope it’s inspired your next road trip!
From historic landmarks to high-flying rides, our Summer Roadtrip with Providence showed just how far great engineering can take you. We loved sharing the stories behind some of the projects that make summer adventures more fun, functional, and unforgettable. Thanks for coming along for the ride and stay tuned for more stories from the road!
