LANCASTER, PA—High Construction Company completed the construction of the new sustainably-designed Allentown Turnpike Service Plaza, and diverted more than 95 percent of demolition and construction waste from landfills in the process. The plaza opens to the public for the Memorial Day holiday.

The Allentown Service Plaza, the busiest of 21 rest stops along the 532-mile Pennsylvania turnpike, was transformed into a modern, environmentally friendly facility that is easily accessible for all patrons.

The $11 million project included the demolition of the existing 1960s-era building and small food service outbuildings, and reconstruction of a new, 21,000 square foot plaza (in the same footprint) and related site improvements. More than 1800-plus tons of material was recycled during the project; and some of it was crushed and reused onsite.

Some of the facility's sustainable design concepts include the roof's highly reflective TPO membrane; light-colored concrete pavement parking to reduce the heat island effect; landscaping with indigenous plants which conserves water; low-emitting paints and sealants; use of more than 80% of Forest Stewardship Council's certified lumber products; 30 percent wastewater reduction from waterless urinals, aerated sensor-operated facets, and low-consumption toilets; and ample natural daylighting to reduce use of lighting fixtures.

Recognized as the 2007 General Contractor of the Year by the American Subcontractor's Association of Central Pennsylvania, High Construction Company provides design-build, general contracting, and construction management services throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. High Construction specializes in the commercial, manufacturing, processing, distribution, education, hospitality, retail, health care, and multi-family residential markets. The family-owned business is headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., and employs over 60 professionals. High Construction is an affiliate of High Real Estate Group, which also includes Greenfield Architects Ltd., High Associates Ltd., High Investors Ltd., and High Hotels Ltd. For more information about High Construction, call (717) 291-2276 or visit www.HighConstruction.com.

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