Rehabilitation of the Original Farm Show Complex

Cows, pigs and exotic goats; bull riders, chefs and bee keepers – they all get their time in the spotlight at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the signature event at the Farm Show Complex, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation. The Complex covers twenty-four acres with eleven buildings, the first of which was constructed in 1930 and the most recent in 2001.

The practical goal of this project was to bring the older parts of the Complex up to contemporary standards. The design exceeded expectations with the rebranding of the facility utilizing inspiration from the building’s original Art Deco architecture, Pennsylvania history and its agricultural heritage. A design language and color palette was developed to both unify the facility and to create a wayfinding system. Modern convention facilities were created with the new Keystone Conference Center and Heritage Halls along with a new monumental stair and lobby. The historic Maclay Street entrance was restored along with the windows of the Large Arena.

The work included a new elevator; renovated toilet rooms and corridors: a new facility wide sound system; energy efficient lighting; and refurbished arena seating.