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CCA – Johnstown

Client

CCA

Location

Johnstown, PA

Square Feet

26,196 sf Interior
3,000 sf deck
3,000 sf parking

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform

Architect

Strada Architecture

The Feeder Canal Building, located at 647 Main St Johnstown, PA., has weathered devastating floods, fires, and time. Over the past 100-plus years, it has been an office for a senator, dentist, and contracting company, among others. The number of renovations has been vast, with most only adding layers to the sturdy bones of the building and hiding its history.

However, when Shannon Construction partnered with Strada Architects and The Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) to renovate the approximately 30,000 SF building and 7,000 SF exterior space into a new Cyber Academy, the old layers were removed, allowing the original structure to be highlighted.

The Opportunities in Historic Trades Restoration

Historical restoration for building facadeHistorical restoration trades such as window restoration, masonry restoration, plaster repair, and finish carpentry are all highly specialized, making it hard to find skilled craftsmen in these areas of expertise today. These restoration trades are a dying field and something not many younger tradesmen are familiar with.

Downward view of Historical restoration needed for stairwell

According to the Historic Trades Labor Analysis, July 2022 Edition, rehabilitation construction is still growing. The rehabilitation of existing buildings represents nearly $85 Billion each year. There are 96 million buildings in the US, and about 40% are over 50 years old. That equals roughly 4.3 to 6.2 million structures defined as “historic.” There are many “historic” buildings in need of restoration. However, there is a huge need for tradesmen. Comparatively, there are about 8,545,000 construction workers but only 1,311,000 construction rehabilitation workers. There are considerable benefits to having training and experience in historic preservation. Not only does it increase the quality of work and reduce the number of mistakes, but there is a premium of around 9% on wages.

Historical building's damaged room

There are many programs to help revitalize these trades. Here are some resources.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicates a whole page on its website to the preservation and restoration of these trades. They provide resources to learn more about the trades and various training opportunities.

The Campaign for Historic Trades is another excellent resource for anyone interested in a career in historic restoration. This website provides a step-by-step process of how to get your career started.

Shannon Construction Company has a government services branch in the DC/Maryland area where we have completed various projects. The projects include the St. Regis Hotel’s structural repairs and facade upgrades. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cafeteria Renovation.

11 Stanwix, 9th and 22nd Floor Speculative Suites

Client

M&J Wilkow

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Square Feet

9,800 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Strada Architecture

Shannon Construction partnered with M&J Wilkow at 11 Stanwix to renovate two speculative suites with a fresh, new aesthetic for potential tenants.

Both the 9th and 22nd floors boast expansive open layouts, cafe style kitchenettes with premium wall coverings, and glass walls allowing for less obstructed views of some of the most iconic scenes in Pittsburgh. Other interesting aspects of the projects include intumescent paint applications on the exposed steel columns and a corrugated metal and plastic laminate panel custom built plumbing stack enclosure.

Glenmede Wealth Advisors

Client

The Davis Companies

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Square Feet

6,615 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Meyer Design, Inc

Glenmede, an investment and wealth management firm, selected Pittsburgh to open its ninth regional office, specifically within the historic Union Trust Building on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh.

The third floor space, previously a speculative suite for The Davis Companies, offered the square footage Glenmede required to create their vision including a unique Pittsburgh bridge column surround with shelves holding historic pieces from the building The complete renovation included building additional offices, conference rooms, modified lighting, hvac, and new finishes throughout.

CBP, Life Science Connect

Client

Cranberry Business Park

Location

Wexford, PA

Square Feet

16,641 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Next Architecture

Life Science is a B2b Media and professional service company providing software and data solutions to marketing and sales teams at suppliers to the life science industry.

The project consisted of a 16,641 sqft of new office buildout including an open concept, modern kitchenette, new and/or modified MEPs, and exceptional aesthetic design to impress and provide employees with a comfortable and collaborative space.

Cranberry Business Park, HRG

Client

Cranberry Business Park

Location

Wexford, PA

Square Feet

9,484 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Next Architecture

HRG, a full service planning, design and engineering consulting firm, chose a new office location in the Cranberry Business Park in Wexford, PA. The project consisted of a 9,484 sqft new office buildout.

Consol, 275 Technology Dr

Client

M&J Wilkow

Location

Canonsburg, PA

Square Feet

32,000 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Strada

Consol’s new, approximately 32,000 sf of existing space located at 275 Technology Drive, required a complete gut. A new, modern and open space including a CEO suite with private restroom, new boardrooms with beautiful views, multiple ceiling styles throughout including both conventional and floating, enclosed offices, several cubicle areas, employee restrooms, HVAC, sprinklers, kitchen, polished concrete flooring, security access and A/V rough in with coordination from client’s A/V work, new signage, carpeting and paint, server room, and IDF/MDF room with all three connected to the building’s emergency back up generator.

Tucker Arensburg

Client

Tucker Arensburg

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Square Feet

15,000 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

Desmone Architects

Shannon Construction accepted the Tucker Aresnberg contract to provide construction management and general contracting services to renovate the nearly 15,000 square foot office space.

The 15th floor law office was demoed with the exception of specified millwork, trim, and crown molding which was restored to like new condition or painted. Walls, various new flooring styles, LED lighting, signage, MEPs, and new furnishing, artwork, and décor rounded out the renovation.

As a phased, occupied project, Shannon Construction identified areas within the space to relocate employees while construction occurred. Extensive blocking and sectioning allowed Tucker Arensberg employees to maintain an office location without disruption.
The project completed in approximately 120 days meeting the schedule as well as the budget.

First National Bank – Oakmont

Client

First National Bank

Location

Oakmont, PA

Square Feet

9,000 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform
Design Services

Architect

DPH Architecture

First National Bank's latest new branch was built out of the ground by Shannon Construction. From excavation to finishes both inside and out, Shannon provided leadership throughout the project overcoming multiple site issues. The new branch boasts the updated retail banking brand for First National Bank.

Select RX

Client

Select RX

Location

Monaca, PA

Square Feet

30,000 sf

Services Provided

General Contractor
Commercial Renovation
Self-perform

Architect

Cekner Engineering Associates

Previously a family-owned mail order prescription service, Select RX purchased the company in Monaca, PA to add it to their national presence. Shannon Construction was selected to complete the work to a three-story building and provide design direction.

Due to the 365-day operations, the site could not be shut down during construction. In addition, the temperature and humidity had to be maintained at all times as machinery and the medications could have been damaged or not worked properly.

Once walls were opened, the team found numerous issues with the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical which required bringing up to code on the three floors. Ingenuity experience allowed Shannon to modify the design to maintain the budget and schedule.

The entire footprint of the building changed from the structure itself to MEPs and finishes throughout including a new kitchen, restrooms, flooring, lighting, paint, ceilings, and alarm system.