Construction Insights: Building on What We Knew

November 9, 2026 Alexis McCormick

When Shannon Construction returned to Tobii Dynavox for its 2026 warehouse and operational expansion, the team already knew the facility, its building systems, and daily operations. Relationships established during the original renovation with Tobii Dynavox, NEXT Architecture, the engineers, and Turner & Townsend continued into the new work.

Familiarity with Existing Building Systems

The original renovation involved electrical and mechanical upgrades, structural modifications, and specialized equipment installations. Several subcontractors returned for the expansion with firsthand knowledge of existing systems, utility connections, and previous installations.

That experience provided context for coordinating new work with existing conditions. At the loading dock, for example, Shannon and NEXT Architecture evaluated an alternate arrangement of overhead and personnel doors to avoid a structural conflict while maintaining warehouse access.

Applying a Previous Technical Solution

During the original renovation, odors from specialized laser engraving and cutting equipment prompted the project team to revisit its exhaust setup. Shannon worked with the engineers and mechanical subcontractor to modify the system.

Shannon Project Manager Tammy Chiesa noted that resolving those issues helped the team plan the exhaust requirements for similar equipment introduced during the expansion.

Continuity Across the Project Team

Superintendent Brian Schussler and several subcontractors returned for the expansion, continuing their work with the client and design team. Discussions about new installations drew on previous field decisions and the team’s knowledge of the facility.

With construction extending into occupied areas, Brian coordinated temporary barricades, warehouse deliveries, and work schedules to limit disruption to daily activities.

Experience from the original renovation also informed construction sequencing. Knowing that concrete floor sealing would restrict access for several days, the team coordinated overhead work and equipment connections before sealing began.

TUMI

November 3, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction completed the renovation of TUMI's retail location in the Airside Core at Pittsburgh International Airport, partnering with LGA Partners to refresh the luxury travel and lifestyle brand's storefront and shopping environment.

Working within an active airport environment, Shannon coordinated construction activities, specialty vendor installations, material deliveries, and airport security requirements while minimizing disruption to surrounding operations.

Project Highlights

Approximately 1,000 SF specialty retail renovation
New flooring, wall finishes, and decorative ceiling features
Custom retail display fixtures and cashwrap
Branded storefront signage and lighting improvements
Coordination of tenant-furnished fixtures and specialty vendors
Construction within an active airport environment

Tobii Dynavox

October 23, 2026 Alexis McCormick

US Headquarters Build-Out

Completed February 2026

Shannon Construction partnered with NEXT Architecture to complete the build-out of Tobii Dynavox's U.S. headquarters in Coraopolis, PA. The project created a modern, high-performing workplace designed to support the global assistive technology company's hybrid workforce, encourage collaboration, and accommodate future growth.

The redesigned headquarters replaces traditional assigned workstations with flexible, open workspaces and a variety of settings for focused work, team collaboration, and informal interaction. Private offices, glass-enclosed meeting rooms, touchdown spaces, and a centrally located work café bring employees together in an accessible, welcoming environment. The design also incorporates adaptable furnishings, diverse seating options, and amenities that support employees who frequently travel.

Shannon coordinated interior construction, building system upgrades, and value-engineering solutions to deliver a functional, flexible workplace while maintaining the design team's vision. The successful project established a strong working relationship with Tobii Dynavox, leading to a subsequent expansion.

Project Highlights

37,533 SF corporate headquarters build-out
Modern architectural finishes and custom millwork
Mechanical, electrical, and fire protection upgrades
Accessibility and workplace functionality improvements
Value engineering and design-team coordination

Expansion

Completed October 2026

Following the successful completion of Tobii Dynavox's U.S. headquarters build-out, Shannon Construction was selected for a second project to renovate additional space in Coraopolis, PA, expanding the company's warehouse and operational capabilities. The expansion also accommodated the relocation of Rehadapt, a manufacturer of specialized mounting solutions that complement Tobii Dynavox's assistive communication technology.

While the original project focused primarily on creating a modern, flexible workplace, the expansion addressed the company's operational needs. The work included reconfiguring warehouse and receiving areas, accommodating specialized equipment and storage systems, modifying overhead door openings, and upgrading mechanical, electrical, security, and life-safety systems.

Working alongside NEXT Architecture and Turner & Townsend, Shannon coordinated construction with equipment vendors, installation requirements, and Rehadapt's planned relocation schedule.

Proactive Solutions During Construction

Throughout the expansion, Shannon Construction worked closely with the design team and subcontractors to address existing building conditions and keep construction on schedule. The team identified a rapid-setting warehouse floor sealer to reduce downtime, proposed adjustments to the loading dock configuration to avoid structural conflicts, and coordinated after-hours work to minimize disruption to ongoing operations. These efforts helped prepare the space for Rehadapt's planned relocation while addressing Tobii Dynavox's operational needs.

Project Highlights

Warehouse and receiving area reconfiguration to support expanded operations
Space modifications to accommodate Rehadapt's equipment, storage, and relocation needs
New overhead door openings and loading access improvements
Warehouse racking coordination, floor treatments, and traffic striping
Specialized HVAC, electrical, and equipment infrastructure modifications
Construction sequencing around ongoing operations and relocation deadlines

Duquesne Supply Co.

October 23, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction completed the build-out of Duquesne Supply Co., a specialty retail store at Pittsburgh International Airport featuring locally made products, apparel, gifts, and merchandise celebrating the Pittsburgh region. The project was part of a broader series of retail and restaurant improvements throughout the Airside Terminal, complementing the opening of PIT's new Landside Terminal. Working within an active airport environment, Shannon transformed the existing storefront into a modern retail destination while coordinating construction activities around airport operations, security requirements, and passenger traffic.

Project Highlights

Selective demolition and complete retail interior build-out
New storefront partitions, flooring, and architectural finishes
Custom retail millwork, merchandise displays, and cashwrap
Specialty lighting, illuminated ceiling features, and digital displays
Branded storefront signage, graphics, and security gate
Electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and low-voltage system modifications
Construction coordination within an active airport terminal

WVU EQT, Core & Fluid Labs

October 19, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction completed renovations to three specialized engineering laboratories within West Virginia University’s Mineral Resources Building in Morgantown, WV. The project modernized the EQT, Core, and Fluids Labs to provide updated spaces for hands-on instruction, technical training, and research. The renovations involved reconfiguring existing laboratory areas, upgrading building systems, and integrating specialized infrastructure to accommodate laboratory equipment and evolving instructional needs. Improvements to accessibility, safety, technology, and interior finishes created more functional, flexible learning environments while maintaining the specialized requirements of each laboratory.

Project Highlights

Renovations to the EQT, Core, and Fluids laboratories
Interior demolition, space reconfiguration, and construction of a dedicated team room
Refurbished laboratory casework, new chemical-resistant countertops, sinks, and utility fixtures
Plumbing modifications, including upgraded air, vacuum, and gas connections
ADA-accessible laboratory workstation and updated emergency eyewash equipment
Electrical and data infrastructure improvements, including GFCI protection, dedicated circuits, and audiovisual connections
New LED lighting, ceiling systems, HVAC diffusers, and occupancy sensors
Updated flooring, architectural finishes, and WVU-branded wall graphics
Infrastructure provisions for specialized laboratory equipment, including a gas chromatograph and bell prover

STAT MedEvac Tenant Build-Out

October 3, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction recently completed a tenant build-out for STAT MedEvac, part of UPMC’s Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, at 1400 Lebanon Church Road in West Mifflin.

The project renovated approximately 2,425 square feet of existing office space to support the organization’s operational and training needs. The reconfigured workplace includes four new offices, a dedicated medical training space, and modifications to the STATCOM computer lab and transmitter area. New partial-height partitions and a 20-foot glass storefront were integrated with the existing space, while existing flooring, lighting and sprinkler systems were maintained wherever possible. With adjacent areas remaining operational throughout construction, Shannon carefully coordinated the work to control dust and debris, maintain safe access and schedule disruptive activities outside normal business hours.

Project Highlights

Occupied-Space Construction: Work was carefully sequenced around active operations, with measures in place to protect adjacent work areas and minimize disruption.
Specialized Training Environment: A dedicated medical training space was incorporated into the new workplace.
STATCOM Improvements: Modifications to the computer lab and transmitter area supported STAT MedEvac’s technology and operational functions.
Existing-System Coordination: New construction was integrated while maintaining existing flooring, lighting, sprinkler systems and life-safety paths.
Architectural Integration: A 20-foot glass storefront and new 10-foot partial-height partitions were designed to complement the existing office environment.

STAT MedEvac is the critical care transport system and clinical arm of the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, operating one of the largest single-operated and dispatched air-medical transport systems in the United States.

FEMA National Emergency Training Center

September 28, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction completed historic restoration work at FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, helping preserve the North Portico of this historic federal facility while improving its long-term performance.

The National Emergency Training Center campus was originally part of St. Joseph’s College, founded in 1809 by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Today, the campus serves as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training facility, supporting the education and preparation of emergency management professionals and first responders from across the country.

Preserving a Historic Federal Facility

Working alongside Cenkner Engineering Associates and Kian International, Inc., with restoration support from Caretti Restoration and Preservation Services, Shannon’s work required careful coordination between historic preservation and modern building improvements.

Existing cornice masonry was carefully disassembled, cleaned and reinstalled to maintain the original alignment and architectural character of the North Portico. Entrance tile was replaced with historically appropriate materials to complement the existing structure.

The project also addressed infrastructure and performance improvements throughout the portico and patio areas. New radiant heat was installed beneath granite patio pavers, along with a new portico roof and improvements to the patio drainage system.

Shannon Construction’s work included:

Disassembly, cleaning and precise reassembly of existing cornice masonry
Replacement of entrance tile with historically accurate materials
Installation of a radiant heating system at the exterior patio
Installation of new granite patio pavers
New portico roofing
Patio drainage improvements

The completed restoration preserves the architectural character of the North Portico while incorporating upgrades designed to support the continued use and longevity of the historic structure.

WVU Engineering Technology Lab

September 25, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction renovated approximately 1,030 square feet within West Virginia University’s Engineering Sciences Building on the Evansdale Campus to create a modern Engineering Technology Laboratory. The higher education laboratory renovation transformed an existing classroom into a specialized fabrication and maker space supporting TIG welding, anodizing, CNC routing, hydraulic shearing and other hands-on engineering activities. The new E-Tech Lab complements WVU’s adjacent Lane Innovation Hub and expands opportunities for experiential learning and industry engagement.

Shannon’s work included new architectural and fire-rated construction, a structural opening connecting the lab to the Innovation Hub, and extensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection improvements. Specialized infrastructure included laboratory exhaust and supply air systems, a new electrical transformer and panel, cord reels, lighting controls, an emergency shower and eyewash station, and piping to serve lab equipment with hot water, chilled water, compressed air and drainage.

Construction was carefully coordinated within the occupied academic building during the fall semester. Shannon scheduled disruptive activities around neighboring classrooms and operational laboratories while protecting adjacent equipment and maintaining access to surrounding spaces.

Project Highlights:

Higher Education Laboratory Renovation
Fabrication & Maker Space
TIG Welding Infrastructure
CNC & Specialized Equipment Support
Laboratory Exhaust & Ventilation
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades
Compressed Air & Equipment Utility Piping
Emergency Shower & Eyewash
Fire-Rated Construction
Occupied Campus Construction

Duquesne University Honors College

September 25, 2026 Alexis McCormick

A portion of the 12th floor of Duquesne University’s Des Places Residence Hall was reconfigured to create dedicated office space for the Honors College, while maintaining existing lounge and laundry functions for the building. The approximately 986-square-foot renovation transformed portions of the existing space into new offices for the Director, Assistant Director and administration, creating a more functional and defined environment for the Honors College within the active residence hall.

Project Highlights

New Director, Assistant Director and administrative offices
Glass office doors and sidelights with decorative privacy film
Updated lounge area integrated with the new office layout
New carpet tile, acoustical ceilings, paint and refreshed interior finishes
Modifications to existing HVAC, plumbing, electrical and lighting systems
Fire protection modifications coordinated with the new layout
Selective demolition and reuse of existing building components where practical
Construction performed within an active university residence hall, requiring careful protection of adjacent occupied areas and existing building systems

USI Insurance

September 25, 2026 Alexis McCormick

Shannon Construction completed a comprehensive office renovation for USI Insurance on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, creating a modern workplace with a mix of private offices, open work areas, conference and collaboration spaces, and employee support areas. The project included selective demolition, new partitions and glass office fronts, architectural casework, updated ceilings and flooring, and coordinated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and technology infrastructure.

Project Highlights

Constructed new private offices and conference spaces featuring tempered glass fronts and doors, bringing natural light into the interior workspace
Installed custom plastic-laminate casework and quartz countertops along with new kitchen appliances and employee support amenities
Completed new carpet tile, ceramic tile, acoustical ceilings, painting and architectural finishes throughout the renovated space
Upgraded HVAC systems with new VAV boxes, ductwork, hot-water piping, controls, diffusers and air balancing
Coordinated new lighting and controls, electrical devices, furniture feeds, fire alarm modifications, and infrastructure for tele/data, AV and security systems
Performed selective demolition and construction protection to integrate the new workplace into the existing building, including debris removal via the building elevator

Alexis McCormick

Familiarity with Existing Building Systems

Applying a Previous Technical Solution

Continuity Across the Project Team

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