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Key challenges included water damage, mold remediation, outdated plumbing, and restoring historic windows that arrived in multiple pieces.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!