When Peoples Settlement Association planned an expansion to its existing facility, the project team needed a solution that would support the organization’s program needs while staying within a tight nonprofit budget. Rather than using one construction method throughout, EBS Solutions helped develop a hybrid approach that combined a Butler pre-engineered metal building with conventional construction.
The project included a new gymnasium and connector building positioned alongside PSA’s existing facility. Expansion joints allowed the new structures to function closely with the original building while remaining structurally independent.
Budget played a major role in the design. Our construction team needed accurate pricing early and turned to EBS Solutions for fast, reliable information. Through our relationship with Butler Manufacturing, EBS could quickly provide pricing and technical details so the team could compare traditional construction with a pre-engineered metal building system.
The gymnasium was constructed with a Butler structural frame and their premier MR-24 standing seam roof system but designed with conventional materials for the building exterior. An EIFS exterior helped the addition complement the surrounding architecture while preserving the cost and schedule benefits of a PEMB.
The connector building required a different solution. Its shape and connection to the existing facility did not fit efficiently within Butler’s standard building parameters, so it was constructed conventionally. Butler wall panels were incorporated in select areas to reduce costs and visually connect the two structures.
This hybrid approach allowed the team to use each system where it provided the greatest value. The pre-engineered components arrived fabricated and ready for efficient assembly, reducing field modifications and limiting the number of trades required for the main structure.
For PSA, the result was a building solution that balanced budget, schedule, appearance, and functionality. The project demonstrates that choosing a Butler system does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. With early coordination and thoughtful design, a hybrid PEMB can deliver efficiency where it matters most while still allowing for custom architectural and operational needs.