CASE STUDY | CORPORATE INTERIORS
Sisterson
A Modern Workplace Within a Pittsburgh Landmark.
Union Trust Building | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Square Feet
Interior Renovation
Architecture
General Contractor
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Creating a contemporary workplace inside a historic downtown property.
Shannon Construction completed a 13,077-square-foot corporate office
renovation for Sisterson within the historic Union Trust Building in
downtown Pittsburgh.
Located on the fourth floor, the project transformed the existing
office into a contemporary workplace designed around collaboration,
flexibility, employee wellness and client experience.
Delivering that transformation within an occupied historic high-rise
required modern workplace systems, specialty architectural finishes,
and upgraded infrastructure to be carefully coordinated with the
conditions and operational requirements of an existing landmark building.
THE CHALLENGE
Building New Within an Existing Landmark
Renovating an office within an existing high-rise introduces constraints
that are not present in new construction. At the Union Trust Building,
those constraints were amplified by the age and historic character of
the property.
Existing structure and building infrastructure established the framework
within which the new office had to be constructed. HVAC, electrical,
plumbing, fire protection, life safety and technology systems all
required modification and integration with existing conditions.
At the same time, construction occurred within an occupied downtown
office tower, requiring careful consideration of logistics, material
movement, building access and activities that could affect neighboring
occupants.
OCCUPIED HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION
Building Around an Active Office Environment
Challenge
Construction took place within an active downtown office tower.
Material deliveries, demolition, noise, dust, vertical transportation
and daily construction activity had to be managed around building
operations.
Solution
Shannon coordinated work with building management and project
stakeholders, established controlled construction zones and planned
higher-impact activities around building operations.
Result
The renovation progressed within the active commercial environment
while maintaining safe access and minimizing disruption to
surrounding building operations.
EXISTING CONDITIONS + BUILDING SYSTEMS
Integrating Modern Infrastructure Into an Existing Building
Challenge
HVAC, electrical, lighting, power, data, plumbing, fire alarm and
fire protection systems all required modification within the
constraints of an existing historic high-rise.
Solution
Shannon performed ongoing field verification and coordinated closely
with NEXT Architecture, CJL Engineering and project trade partners
to resolve existing conditions and sequence new systems.
Result
Modern building systems were integrated into the existing
infrastructure while supporting the architectural vision for the
new workplace.
ARCHITECTURAL + FINISH COORDINATION
Making the Details Work Together
Challenge
Frameless glazing, storefront systems, architectural woodwork,
acoustic treatments and specialty ceilings intersected with lighting,
HVAC, fire protection and other building systems.
Solution
Shannon used detailed pre-installation planning, field coordination
and sequencing reviews to align specialty trades before installation.
Result
Architectural finishes and building systems came together as a
cohesive environment with the quality and level of detail expected
of the finished workplace.
BUILDING THROUGH COLLABORATION
Coordinating design, construction and existing conditions.
Shannon worked closely with Sisterson, JLL, NEXT Architecture,
CJL Engineering, building management and project trade partners
throughout construction.
That collaboration was particularly important where architectural
details intersected with existing infrastructure. Resolving those
conditions required input from multiple disciplines and practical
field solutions that respected both design intent and constructability.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
At a Glance
View Sisterson Project