The Fuge – From Outer Space to Event Space
From the mid 1940’s through 1995 the US Navy operated 31 development laboratories in Warminster, PA. These labs worked on military applications of technologies that we all take for granted today; including flight data recorder or “black box” technology, GPS and photo-sensitive lenses, generating over 50 patents annually. Among the labs at the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center (NADC) was the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory (AMAL) the centerpiece of which was the largest and most powerful human centrifuge that the world has ever seen.
In the 1950s America was deep in the throes of the Cold War. School children were learning to “duck and cover” and a satellite named Sputnik was beeping its way around the earth. Into this context, the U.S. manned space program was launched. The engineers and scientists knew that the rockets used to propel spacecraft into orbit and beyond would subject America’s pioneering astronauts to high G force pressure. Knowing that, there was no better place to train America’s first astronauts than the Johnsville Centrifuge.
So it was, in August of 1959 that the Mercury Seven came to Johnsville to begin their centrifuge training. M. Scott Carpenter, Donald K. (“Deke”) Slayton, L. Gordon Cooper, Walter M. Schirra, Alan B. Sheppard, Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, and John H. Glenn made the trip to Bucks County to train on what John Glenn called the “dreaded” and “sadistic” Johnsville Centrifuge.
Throughout the 60’s the space program progressed as the United States came ever closer to the goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth. Eventually, all of America’s early astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin received centrifuge training at Johnsville. By the end of 1972, the Apollo program was winding down but the Johnsville Centrifuge continued to be of service, training Space Shuttle astronauts and F-14 pilots into the 80’s. The astronauts credit their centrifuge training as invaluable in preparing them for the bodily rigors of the high G forces encountered during the lift off and re-entry phases of their space flights. By the 1990s operations at the Centrifuge were largely contracted out; with the last run occurring in 2005.
Sam Cravero, the current owner of the building and The Fuge, was looking for an office building to purchase to house his security company when he stumbled upon the naval development center. Curious, he asked his realtor to take a look. Once he stepped inside, he knew he wanted the building, no matter what! It was like a hidden treasure right here in our own Bucks County! Just being in the building made him feel as though he was transported back in time. Surrounded by the old-fashioned equipment, photographs and blue prints made him feel like he was uncovering a part of history.
After renovating the first floor and leasing it as professional office space, he remained stumped as to what to do with the second floor as there is a historic designation on the building. While sitting around with his brothers discussing ideas, he came up with the idea for an event center. He felt as though he needed a unique name to fit the space. It was here that the name “The Fuge” was born, shortened from centrifuge, to seem cool and trendy.
Where most people would see the historic designation as an obstacle, as it puts limitations on what can be done with the space, Sam saw it as an opportunity to take his growing idea for an event space and marry it with the historical and technological background of the building making it a truly unique event center that wows all of our guests.
Once The Fuge became a success, Sam moved onto other areas of the building that had potential. There was a smaller space on the first floor that was once a biophysiological laboratory. Of course, this space needed renovation too, so the demolition and planning began. Sam’s idea was to create a cozier space for more intimate parties. He wanted to be able to offer more options for guests. This space is now called The Lab and has become a hot spot for Sweet 16, milestone birthday parties and corporate meetings. And now, Sam has moved onto his next project, The Studio, which will be located on the third floor. It will appeal to our wedding guests and have a “loft” feel.
Sam sums up The Fuge as follows: “Today The Fuge is without a question the most unique event venue in Bucks County. Our 11,000 square foot main room features customizable and interactive lighting effects. The high-tech sound system and two 38 foot movie screens are included to ensure your event looks and sounds spectacular. We have award winning, in-house catering that can prepare the cuisine you desire. Too big or too outrageous is not in our vocabulary. We can accommodate anything from Super Sweet 16 Parties, Proms, Galas, Mitzvahs, Weddings, Corporate Events and more!”
In 2009, BCEDC assisted Sam with the original project by securing a loan in order to have a dedicated power supply to the building.
For more information go to www.rentthefuge.com.