Lea's Floral Shop: Modern Commercial Retail & Urban Revitalization
Project Narrative
Revitalizing East McKeesport through Modern Design
Rising from the ashes of a tragic 2021 fire, the new Lea’s Floral Shop represents a significant investment in the resilience and future of East McKeesport’s historic 5th Avenue district. David Stumpf Architecture was commissioned to design a facility that honored the business's 60-year legacy while introducing a modern architectural aesthetic to the borough’s streetscape.
Maximizing Site Yield & Operational Efficiency
The primary design challenge was fitting a complex commercial program onto a constrained urban lot. Applying rigorous spatial planning, David Stumpf Architecture maximized the buildable envelope to achieve nearly 7,500 square feet of usable space. (Continues below)
Project Snapshot
Location: East McKeesport, Pennsylvania (Historic Downtown District)
Project Type: Commercial Retail & Production Facility
Size: 7,500 SF
Scope: New Construction, Site Planning, Commercial Interior Design
Project Team:
Architect: David Stumpf Architecture (David Stumpf, AIA)
Structural Engineer: Capstone Structural Engineering
MEP Engineer: Iams Consulting, LLC
Civil Engineer: Red Swing Group (Now Triad Engineering Inc.)
Builder: Spanbauer Construction
Click here to see a video tour of the project, and detailed explanation of the design!
The facility is engineered for operational flow, seamlessly integrating three distinct zones:
Retail Showroom: A client-facing space designed for browsing and consultation.
Production & Cold Storage: High-efficiency back-of-house areas optimized for floral preservation and arrangement assembly.
Administrative Offices: Private workspaces to support business growth.
Urban Integration & Accessibility
Unlike typical commercial developments that turn away from the sidewalk, this design engages the historic fabric of the community. A prominent, welcoming staircase draws pedestrian traffic from the street level into the showroom, reinforcing the walkability of the downtown district. To ensure inclusivity, a dedicated accessible entrance is integrated near the private parking lot, utilizing Universal Design principles to provide a welcoming experience for all visitors.
This project stands as a case study in how Boutique Craft design can drive commercial revitalization in established communities.
