Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Bancroft’s Commitment to Historical Restoration

At Bancroft, our work goes beyond construction; we recognize the importance of historical preservation. Every historical structure carries a story, a sense of place, and a connection to the communities that surround it. Through thoughtful planning and the execution of a construction phase centered on quality assurance, we ensure these landmarks remain both relevant and resilient for generations to come.

An example of our current efforts is the Cleveland White Building Renovation Project in Wilmington, Delaware. This project exemplifies the delicate balance between preservation and progress. The two-story, 25,000-square-foot structure, now over a century old, requires a comprehensive transformation while maintaining its historical integrity.

Our team has been undertaking a full-scale renovation that included replacing the HVAC system and upgrading the interior electrical infrastructure, bringing the building up to current safety and efficiency standards. Simultaneously, we have been performing extensive structural work to level floors and repair or replace walls, all while carefully preserving the original character that defines the building. Additional upgrades include new interior stairs, windows, doors, and fixtures, as well as renovated doorways and restrooms. Each decision is made with the intention of respecting the building’s past while preparing it for a functional future.

This project continues to build on Bancroft’s strong legacy in historical preservation, highlighted by our award-winning work across the region.

At Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, Bancroft led the extensive renovation of Cresson Hall, a landmark building originally erected in 1870. Once an upper-class residence hall, the structure had sat vacant for nearly a decade and faced significant structural deterioration, asbestos concerns, and a range of unforeseen challenges. Working alongside Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA), our team revitalized the building while carefully preserving its historical character.

Today, Cresson Hall has been reimagined as a vibrant, multi-use space. The building now includes offices, conference rooms, exhibition and gallery spaces, as well as residential floors featuring single and double-occupancy rooms. Modern amenities, including group study areas, laundry facilities, and updated restrooms, ensure the building meets the needs of today’s students while paying homage to its historical roots.

Similarly, Bancroft’s work at Longwood Gardens’ Cascade Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, demonstrates the precision and attention to detail required in preservation projects. This nationally recognized effort involved the meticulous relocation of the historic garden, piece by piece. Each stone, planting element, and structural feature was carefully documented using the latest technology, dismantled, and reconstructed to maintain the original design intent and character.

Both the Cresson Hall Renovation and the Cascade Gardens Project were honored with the 2026 Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, a testament to Bancroft’s expertise and commitment to excellence in historical preservation.

At Bancroft, we approach every preservation project with respect for its history and a vision for its future. Whether restoring a century-old academic hall, revitalizing a public garden, or reimagining a historical commercial building, our goal remains the same: honoring heritage, while shaping the future.