Erdenheim waterproofing

Business is making waves

by PAT STOKES

Well, nothing like getting to the bottom of a problem, I always say. Which is what Brian Quinn is doing constantly these days in his business, Brian Quinn Basement Systems, at 525 Bethlehem Pike in Erdenheim. Until our interview, I had no idea that if you turn into the driveway next to the former Wheelpump Inn (Now Ruth's Lamps and Shades), you would come upon a large open space, totally hidden from the street. A most interesting area, full of history and full of possibilities. More about this in detail further along.

For now, questions, questions. "Brian, what led you to be, so to speak, plumbing the depths in this fashion?" He explained. His dad had a construction business in Abington Township, where he lived. After college, Brian worked in the business, which included historic restoration on fine old homes and other buildings. Seeing the condition of the basements in these homes and noting the improvements that could be made, suggested the idea of a business specializing in basement facelifts.

"There are so many great homes in Springfield and Chestnut Hill with basements that need attention," Brian says. "It might even be that the name Springfield refers to fields full of springs, i.e., lots of wet basements, even flooded basements (especially during the monsoon a few weeks ago), all desperately in need of waterproofing. It's difficult to sell a house with a damp musty cellar, which can really be like a cave. Eight years ago, people weren't moving their residences quite so often. They wanted to stay put, and if they needed more space, they opted to invests in a 'finished' basement, which can add 20 to 30 percent to the value of the home."

All these considerations added up to the idea of morphing the construction business into the present one, concentrating on waterproofing and general renewal. Brian has expanded the business enormously, having started in January 1997, in a rented garage on the present property, with three employees. The company now owns the entire tract of land, a little over an acre, and there are now 20 employees, all men except for Dianna Gallen who, along with her duties as office manager, "keeps the men in line." The company offers 14 patented products specifically for basement problems, from sump pumps to dehumidifiers to waterguard systems to keep water out and protect walls.

We were talking in the office, on the second floor of an addition to what had been a barn, now used for storage. I was curious about the site itself, originally the Bysher estate. We walked around outside, and Brian indicated a former apple orchard and nearby a huge barn, and next to that, a row of garages, originally horse stalls, where in bygone years, folks staying at the Wheelpump Inn probably stabled their horses.

On the back wall of each stall hangs an old-fashioned cast iron steam radiator to keep those horses cozy. Brian intends to keep improving the property while retaining the historic landmarks, the blacksmith corner, the wonderful horse trough, a long, deep iron container supported by stone posts at just the right height for the animals to drink from, and the 30 foot-deep well, presently cemented over.

Now to the barn. The inside, a sight to behold! A soaring space, 35 feet high. Way up on the two sturdy side walls, window placement is in beautiful balance. Tall, runged ladders hang from the still strong crossbeams that support the pointed roof.

What a spot to recapture the character of the area as it once was. A terrific tourist destination, just a short carriage ride from Chestnut Hill. 215-233-4444. Dianna answers the phone 8 to 5, Monday through Friday, and you may leave voice mail at other times. See you on the Avenue.