DVP Construction Group was selected by Hopewell Special, LLC for the restoration and use-change reconstruction of the early-1700s Runyon Farmstead. Given the significance of the site, the project necessitated a great deal of attention be paid to maintaining and celebrating the historical integrity of the Main House while remediating structural deficiencies and updating the interiors for modern rental use.

     In addition to the Historic Runyon Main House, the project included three new- construction apartment buildings designed to mimic the individual styles and locations of the original barn structures that existed on the site. The design vision was to create both a sense of individuality for each building and a feeling of community among them. In total, the project includes eight rental units across four structures.

Key enhancements included:

• Main House Historical Features: Hand hewn beams; original fireplace, mantle, and staircases; surviving wide format solid wood flooring; original Colonial-era doors and hardware; and ornate trim. These items were preserved to highlight the history at Runyon Farmstead.
• Main House Upgrades: The historical features are complemented by upgrades such as modern kitchen and bathroom amenities, as well as updated lighting, fixtures, and finishes throughout. The building exterior was enhanced by new slate and copper roof assemblies.
• The “Barn Apartment” Amenities: Each of the three buildings includes high R-value insulated envelopes, energy efficient Marvin window and doors, glass shower enclosures, solid wood interior doors with high-end hardware, custom Spanish cedar exterior doors, maple cabinetry, mirror backsplashes, and solid granite countertops.
• Utilities: New 8-inch ductile iron water main and fire hydrant service was installed running from West Broad Street to South Greenwood Avenue. This work required active line wet-taps to be performed within the roadway, and were coordinated closely with Mercer County DOT and the Hopewell DPW to be executed in a single day, minimizing impact to local traffic. Other utilities include a force-main sewage ejector pit, new underground electrical service and transformers, as well as a storm-water infiltration basin installed beneath the asphalt drive.
• Exterior Improvements: Extensive landscaping with cedar and split rail fence features, landscape lighting, and colored concrete with decorative stone accents along the main ribbon drive.