kadams2020, Author at Shannon Construction

Pittsburgh International Airport Retail Expansion & Refresh

April 16, 2025 kadams2020

Shannon Construction is proud to showcase our ongoing work at Pittsburgh International Airport, where we are collaborating with top national and local brands to create stylish, functional retail and dining spaces.

Recently Completed Projects:

Chick-fil-A Expansion – Shannon Construction expanded the restaurant by combining it with an adjacent space, keeping it operational for most of the construction. We managed a fast-tracked schedule, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency for both the client and customers.
Duquesne Supply Co. – We helped bring this modern retail concept to life by integrating Pittsburgh’s rich culture into every corner, creating a space filled with locally inspired gifts and accessories. The design celebrates the city’s spirit while offering a fresh, inviting retail atmosphere.
Johnston & Murphy – The space was transformed with sleek walnut slats, white tile accents, and warm oak flooring, creating a sophisticated and contemporary environment. Every design element was carefully chosen to reflect the brand’s luxury appeal while ensuring a functional, high-traffic space.
Champion City Sports – This haven for Pittsburgh sports fans features memorabilia, team gear, and an immersive Sports Simulator in an authentic, fan-centric atmosphere.
BeerCode Kitchen & Bar – A cozy yet stylish gastropub was built to showcase locally crafted beer. With a focus on comfort and connection, the design provides travelers with a relaxing space to unwind and enjoy elevated casual dining.
Sambazon Açaí Bowls – A bright, vibrant quick-serve space was created, featuring an eye-catching display of fresh fruit toppings. Bold colors and energetic design elements bring the concept’s fresh, healthy, and fun vibe to life.
Hudson (A & B Wings) – Retail upgrades that elevate the airport shopping experience.

Ongoing Work / Coming Soon:

MAC Cosmetics – A clean, modern storefront was designed to reflect the latest in cosmetics, with sleek displays and luxurious details. Every element was aligned with the brand's commitment to style and quality.
PIA Club –Improvements to the lounge seating area ensuring travelers can relax, refresh and replenish before making their way on their journey ahead. Cabinet and ceiling tile replacement
Jimmy John’s – Fresh, fast sandwiches arriving soon.
Marathon Diner Refresh – Revitalizing a beloved airport favorite.
Mineo’s Pizza – The local institution, which opened its first shop in Squirrel Hill in 1958, will start slinging four-cut, personal pies at the Airside Terminal food court this summer. The new space, which also will sell beer, wine and spirits, is a partnership between Mineo’s and the existing Marathon Diner.

From the Project Team:

Our success at Pittsburgh International Airport is driven by the dedication of our project leaders—Mary Haffner, Patrick Bruce, and Tammy Chesia—with key support from Joe Hancovsky, Project Engineer.

Job Site Team Leaders:

Joe Boyer
Darren Delgrosso
Jim Baxter
Bob Sartori
Joe Thompson

“Working in a live airport environment means every detail counts. From managing tight logistics to ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions, our team is committed to delivering spaces that elevate the traveler experience.”
— Mary Haffner, Project Manager

These projects reflect our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt, coordinate, and deliver in dynamic, high-demand environments. Stay tuned as we continue to shape the future of Pittsburgh International Airport.

Navigating the Ups and Downs: The Rollercoaster of Construction Material Prices

April 16, 2025 kadams2020

Various construction materials used for building residential and commercial buildings

In 2025, construction materials like concrete, gypsum, and raw materials sourced domestically are likely to be less impacted by tariffs.

In 2025, construction materials like concrete, gypsum, and raw materials sourced domestically are likely to be less impacted by tariffs. This is because these materials are generally produced and used within the US, minimizing the impact of import duties. However, it’s important to note that even domestically sourced materials could see price increases due to increased demand as construction companies shift towards them.

Innovative Materials: What’s Gaining Traction

As the industry continues to adapt, innovation in building materials is gaining momentum. Products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), insulated concrete forms (ICFs), and 3D-printed components are being explored not only for their structural advantages but also for potential cost and schedule efficiencies. These materials can reduce construction timelines, lower labor needs, and improve sustainability ratings—key considerations in today’s market.

Balancing Budget and Performance

With increasing focus on energy efficiency, life cycle cost, and environmental impact, project teams are evaluating materials not just by upfront price, but by total value over time. High-performance glazing, recycled steel, and new types of thermal insulation are examples of materials gaining popularity due to their long-term return on investment.

Shannon Construction’s Approach

At Shannon Construction, we remain proactive—analyzing trends, assessing supply chain risks, and partnering closely with suppliers to ensure cost predictability and material availability. Whether it’s refining the budget with real-time pricing insights or coordinating with design teams on material selections, we’re focused on delivering smart, resilient buildings that meet our clients’ goals.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 unfolds, the key to success will be adaptability. Shannon Construction continues to lead with a solutions-driven mindset—navigating market shifts, integrating innovative materials, and maintaining the craftsmanship and control that define our work.

Estimating Trends in Pittsburgh’s Commercial Construction

April 16, 2025 kadams2020

Rob Means, Director of Estimating for Shannon Construction

As Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market evolves in 2025, estimating processes are becoming more sophisticated to meet the growing demand for cost certainty, strategic planning, and adaptability.

An Interview with Rob Means, Director of Estimating at Shannon Construction

As Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market evolves in 2025, estimating processes are becoming more sophisticated to meet the growing demand for cost certainty, strategic planning, and adaptability. Rob Means, Shannon Construction’s Director of Estimating, discusses the latest trends in these areas and what they mean for contractors, developers, and clients.

Q: Rob, what are the most significant trends you’re seeing in commercial construction estimating so far in 2025?

Rob Means:
One of the most significant trends we’re seeing is the increased demand for early cost certainty. With tighter budgets and greater scrutiny from lenders, owners and developers are pushing us to deliver more accurate estimates earlier in the design phase. This means we’re relying heavily on detailed takeoffs, historical data, and market-informed assumptions.

For bidding, developers and owners are expecting more than just a simple price. They want transparent, detailed bids that reflect the true market conditions, including material prices, labor availability, and potential risks. The process is much more strategic now, as it’s not just about offering the lowest price—it’s about providing value, expertise, and risk management to ensure the project stays on budget and schedule.

Q: How has the volatility in material pricing impacted estimating recently?

Rob Means:
After several years of unpredictable swings in material costs, especially for steel, concrete, and lumber, we’re seeing some stabilization. However, there are still uncertainties, mainly due to tariffs and international supply chain issues. To manage these risks, we’re building flexible allowances and escalation clauses into our estimate, ensuring that we can address potential price increases without unnecessarily inflating the project’s budget.

Q: What role does labor availability play in estimating?

Rob Means:
Labor availability is a significant factor, especially here in Pittsburgh where skilled trades are in high demand. We’re seeing premiums for labor-intensive tasks like MEP work, and longer lead times are becoming common. As part of our estimating process, we factor these labor concerns into our schedules and budgets upfront to avoid surprises later. When it comes to bidding, we ensure that labor costs are transparent and included in our breakdowns so clients can understand the full scope of potential costs.

Q: Technology seems to be playing a larger role in estimating. How is it shaping your processes?

Rob Means:
Technology has really transformed how we operate. Tools like Procore, Sage Estimating and electronic takeoffs are helping us improve precision and streamline processes. These platforms allow us to collaborate in real time with project managers and architects, review historical data and provide more accurate budgets, leading to faster approvals.

Q: What impact does value engineering have on your approach?

Rob Means:
Value engineering plays a critical role, especially as costs rise. We’re helping owners prioritize what’s most essential to their projects by offering material substitutions, system efficiency reviews, and phased implementation strategies. This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making the project more efficient and ensuring that the budget aligns with the client’s priorities without sacrificing quality or performance. We include these options in our bids to show clients we’re thinking strategically about both their budget and their long-term goals.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the estimating and bidding process evolving in Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market?

Rob Means:
I believe we’ll continue to see tighter integration between estimating, bidding, and preconstruction planning. As projects become more complex—especially in sectors like healthcare, education and mixed-use developments—the need for accurate, adaptable estimates and bids will grow. Estimators are no longer just number crunchers; we’re becoming strategic partners who help shape the project from the earliest phases. Technology will continue to play a crucial role, making these processes more dynamic and responsive.

Q: How is Shannon Construction preparing for these evolving trends?

Rob Means:
At Shannon, we’re staying ahead by embracing new technologies, strengthening our relationships with clients, and continuously improving our estimating and bidding processes. Our team is focused on providing proactive, data-driven services to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our clients in an increasingly competitive market. Whether it’s adopting new digital tools or collaborating more closely with project partners, we’re committed to delivering accurate, reliable estimates and bids that set projects up for success from day one.

PPE Style Guide

April 16, 2025 kadams2020

Who says safety can’t be stylish? PPE is your first line of defense on the job—shielding against hazards, preventing injuries, and saving lives. Because protecting yourself never goes out of style.

Special thanks to our Shannon team members for modeling the gear live at the job site—bringing safety and style together where it matters most.

Download Shannon Construction’s PPE Style Guide Poster.

Shannon Wins MBA Award for Transformative Renovation of WVU’s Historic Chitwood Hall

March 25, 2025 kadams2020

Shannon Construction Team Patrick Bruce, Project Manager and Jim Baxter, Superintendent holding MBA Award for Transformative Renovation of WVU’s Historic Chitwood Hall

Completed in December 2023, this project involved a full interior and exterior renovation of the 130-year-old building, a prominent part of WVU’s historic campus.

Shannon Construction is proud to announce that we have received the MBA’s 2024 Award for Renovation Under $4 Million for our work on Chitwood Hall at West Virginia University (WVU). Completed in December 2023, this project involved a full interior and exterior renovation of the 130-year-old building on WVU’s historic campus.

Originally built in 1893 and located on Woodburn Circle, Chitwood Hall had not seen significant updates since the 1980s. With the building remaining unoccupied since 2020, WVU tasked Shannon with modernizing the structure, updating critical systems, removing hazardous materials, and ensuring compliance with current building codes.

Challenges and Solutions

“Working on a building of this age meant there would be unexpected surprises along the way,” said Patrick Bruce, Project Manager. “From remediation to water intrusion, every discovery required swift action. Despite the challenges, we successfully delivered a building that blends historic charm with modern functionality.”

Key challenges included water damage, mold remediation, outdated plumbing, and restoring historic windows that arrived in multiple pieces. “Managing the assembly of 122 custom windows was no small feat, but our team created custom jigs and coordinated the complex installation,” added Jim Baxter, Superintendent. The exterior preservation required careful planning to protect the historically significant trees surrounding the building, with safety being a top priority.

A Historic Transformation

“From the outside, Chitwood Hall looks the same, but stepping inside reveals a completely transformed space,” said Patrick. The renovation preserved the building’s historic features while introducing modern upgrades, including updated IT, AV, electrical systems, and ADA-compliant features.

“We are thrilled with the final result,” said the WVU project representative. “Shannon Construction’s attention to detail has preserved the essence of Chitwood Hall while making it a functional space for the future.”

Our Trusted Subcontractors

We worked with a skilled team of subcontractors on this project:

Patrinos – Drywall and painting
Horranick – HVAC
JEM – Fire systems
First American Plumbing – Plumbing services

Their expertise was crucial in delivering this successful renovation.

What Makes Us Proud

This project allowed us to breathe new life into a 150-year-old building while maintaining its historic character. From the outside, Chitwood Hall looks unchanged, but inside, it now offers a modern, functional space for the WVU community. We’re proud of the craftsmanship and innovation that went into preserving this landmark and look forward to more projects that blend the old with the new.

A big thank you to our team, subcontractors, and clients for making this achievement possible!

Spotlight on Leann: Women in Construction

March 21, 2025 kadams2020

Leanne Mazur, Project Administrator for Shannon Construction

As the project coordinator, Leanne shares insight on her careers in construction.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did you get started in the industry?

My journey into construction was somewhat accidental. I originally interviewed for a retail position at the store owned by my future employer, where I ended up working for 11 years. However, instead of offering me the retail job, he offered me a position in construction. With no prior experience, I took a leap of faith, and I’ve never looked back.

Can you tell us a bit about your role as a Project Administrator?

As a Project Administrator, I manage all the documentation throughout the lifecycle of a construction project—from initiation to completion. This includes handling permits, change orders, securing insurance, preparing contracts, and processing purchase orders. It’s a dynamic role that requires high levels of organization and attention to detail.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential to succeed in the construction industry?

Strong problem-solving skills are essential in construction. Things don’t always go as planned, so the ability to think on your feet, adapt, and find solutions is key. Communication is also vital—construction projects involve many moving parts, and clear communication between team members, clients, and subcontractors ensures everything runs smoothly. Lastly, being organized is crucial, as there’s a lot of documentation, deadlines, and details to track.

How do you balance the challenges of your role with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Construction work can be demanding, especially with tight schedules and high stakes. I manage my time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and set boundaries when necessary. Having a supportive team at Shannon has been a big help because we all work together to ensure the workload is manageable. It’s also important to take time for yourself—whether through hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or just unwinding. Keeping that balance helps me stay motivated and focused.

What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working in construction, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time?

One of the most rewarding aspects that many people may not realize is the stability of the construction industry. It’s a field that will always be needed—we’re constantly building, rebuilding, and creating. This offers a strong sense of job security that many industries can’t match.

How do you think the role of women in construction has changed over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?

There’s been a noticeable shift in the number of women entering the industry, and that trend is steadily growing. I believe we’ll continue to see more women join the field, especially as opportunities expand beyond the trades into roles like project management, estimating, and marketing.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction or looking to grow within the industry?

The construction industry offers many opportunities beyond the trades—project management, estimating, marketing, and more. It’s a field that provides growth and stability, and companies are often willing to invest in training and education. You don’t need a college degree or prior experience to start. If you’re willing to listen, learn and put in the effort, there are endless possibilities for growth and advancement in your career.

What unique values and perspectives do women bring to the construction sector?

Women often bring strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and great listening abilities. We’re also skilled in time management and multi-tasking, especially in project management, where these abilities are crucial to success.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Flying—especially when stuck in traffic! It would save a lot of time and frustration.

Pittsburgh Gateways

February 13, 2025 kadams2020

As the Construction Manager for Pittsburgh Gateways owner of 1436 Bedford Ave, Shannon partnered with WAY Architecture and successfully completed numerous occupied and vacant renovations for the Energy Innovation Center. From classrooms to elevators to complete overhaul renovations, Pittsburgh Gateways and the tenants have repeatedly selected Shannon Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk

Pittsburgh Gateways recently contracted with Shannon Construction to Construction Manage 3 projects at EIC in 2024. UPMC classrooms (5,500 SF) received new kitchenettes, flooring, paint, and mechanicals. Core Power classroom (11,000 SF) was renovated for a light industrial lab training space which included sealing concrete floors, mechanical, new bathroom, paint and lighting. Cox MPP classroom (5,500 SF) and office space included a kitchenette, lighting mechanical and office finishes.

ServiceLink

January 17, 2025 kadams2020

ServiceLink, an industry leader in mortgage services, contracted with Shannon to renovate 45,000SF of their Pittsburgh Office. Key to this upgrade was installing a GRID elevated floor system throughout the office which managed their power and cabling. This new floor system installation required a multi-phased project plan for this occupied space. In addition to the raised floor system, the renovation included new FALK wall systems for offices, upgraded lighting and new finishes. Total cost of the project was $3.8M.

Johnston & Murphy

December 16, 2024 kadams2020

InMotion

December 16, 2024 kadams2020

kadams2020

Recently Completed Projects:

Ongoing Work / Coming Soon:

From the Project Team:

Job Site Team Leaders:

Innovative Materials: What’s Gaining Traction

Balancing Budget and Performance

Shannon Construction’s Approach

Looking Ahead

An Interview with Rob Means, Director of Estimating at Shannon Construction

Q: Rob, what are the most significant trends you’re seeing in commercial construction estimating so far in 2025?

Q: How has the volatility in material pricing impacted estimating recently?

Q: What role does labor availability play in estimating?

Q: Technology seems to be playing a larger role in estimating. How is it shaping your processes?

Q: What impact does value engineering have on your approach?

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the estimating and bidding process evolving in Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market?

Q: How is Shannon Construction preparing for these evolving trends?

Challenges and Solutions

A Historic Transformation

Our Trusted Subcontractors

What Makes Us Proud

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did you get started in the industry?

Can you tell us a bit about your role as a Project Administrator?

What skills or qualities do you think are essential to succeed in the construction industry?

How do you balance the challenges of your role with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working in construction, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time?

How do you think the role of women in construction has changed over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction or looking to grow within the industry?

What unique values and perspectives do women bring to the construction sector?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

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