Anthony H. Visco Jr. knew from a very young age that he wanted to be an architect. Visco began putting that plan in motion and not before long crafted that childhood dream into an art form.
"All through school I just loved drafting and things like that. That is just always what I wanted to do," Visco said.
Visco originally moved to the area to attend Williamsport Area Community College, and later found himself at Kansas State University where he received his architecture degree.
Article Photos
SHAWNA TURNER/Sun-Gazette
Pictured is the Visco staff: Top row from left to right, Seth Day, Anthony Perrotta, Jeff Smith, Anthony Visco jr., Matt Strahan and
Eric Laughrey; bottom row from left to right, Gabrielle Kemberling, Fran Visco, and Pat Russell.
"We (architects) are artists in our own way. A lot of times people cannot see in three dimensions. They can't understand how we are going to be able to convert this old warehouse into modern offices and such," Visco said.
Visco, who developed ties to the area, decided to return. "I sort of picked a couple of locations, but the job opportunity was here. I was familiar with Williamsport," Visco said.
Visco worked for a number of other architectural firms before moving to the city in 1975. He found he was frustrated at the sight of closing businesses. So, Visco decided to go into business for himself and describes it as one of the best things he ever did.
"It is an architectural practice, Certainly, there are not a lot of them around in the area. I'd say we are the right size firm to serve the clients that we have not only in Pennsylvania, but also in the neighboring states," Visco said.
Although very challenging, Visco is happy doing what he does.
"I enjoy very much what I do. It is always very creative and challenging. Sometimes it is very tough because you have to meet aggressive deadlines that are sometimes very tough to achieve," Visco said.
Visco's work cannot be summarized into one category. He covers a wide range of projects.
"We do a lot of hospital and health care work. We do historic renovations and some restoration of historic buildings. We do other commercial works such as banks, retail businesses and restaurants. We have done detention facilities as well throughout the state," Visco said.
In fact, Visco regained the intended beautiful elegance of the old Herdic Hotel on 800 West Fourth Street in the city. Today that building is known as Park Place. Visco, along with several other business holders have offices in the historical building.
"This poor building was worn out. This office building is as modern and up to date as any, it just happens to be in an old body," Visco said.
According to Visco, the old electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling were all removed.
Upon walking into Visco's quarters, one would see an abundance of antique treasures.
According to Visco, due to the history and renovation of the building, he felt antiques were a nice fit for the office. Visco attended auctions and bought the pieces until his collection was accumulated. Of those pieces, many purchased items were local pieces.
From time to time, Visco could be seen offering tours of the building to interested schools. He delivers school presentations and participates in job shadowing for the school districts in the area.
"When I was in school, there was no one that I could really talk to that could help or guide me as to what do architects do. That is what I wanted to be. But, what are they and who are they? There was actually a guidance counselor, in my last year in high school who started to help connect me a little bit," Visco said.
Visco serves in other areas of the community as well.
Visco is a member of Preservation Pennsylvania and the Williamsport Rotary Club. He serves on community boards. Some of those boards include the North Central Sight Services, Ross Club and Preservation Williamsport. Visco is also the vice-chairman of the city's Historical Architectural Review Board.
"I just like giving back to the community," Visco said. "I have really gotten to know a lot of people in the area. It is great to have that kind of interaction with the community."
For more information individuals may contact the business at 322-3460.
