Page 51 - Bernardon Response to Request for Proposal-Dennis Farm

Andalusia
Andalusia, Pennsylvania

Owner Originally built in 1796 by the Craig family, the mansion was
Andalusia Foundation expanded 10 years later under Benjamin Latrobe. In 1835-36, its
Architect most famous owner, Nicholas Biddle, expanded and remodeled it
John Milner Architects again, creating its centerpiece, a Greek Revival-style house with a
Size / Completion monumental temple front and colonnade.
1,200 SF / 2007
The “Big House,” as the three-story mansion is known, is a repository
Historic Registration of late 18th and 19th century French, English, Chinese, and
NPS National Historic Landmark
American furniture. The library and study wing did not anticipate or
incorporate such 21st century utilities as communication, lighting,
and de-humidification controls. As a result, the entire collection
suffered from UV damage and mildew.

The objective of the renovation/restoration of the library and
study was to improve the environment for books, papers and other
artifacts with minimal impact on the historic fabric of the building.
One of the key project goals was to minimize temperature and
humidity fluctuations throughout the year.

Existing mechanical equipment was replaced with a museum-quality
heating and cooling system, including a new boiler and air handling
units. Electrical system improvements included replacement and
upgrade of the main distribution panel feeding the Big House and
installation of a subpanel to feed the new mechanical loads.