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.

Terminal 21 Apartments

June 9, 2020 kadams2020

Historic Adaptive Reuse | Pittsburgh, PA

Shannon Construction transformed a historic ten-story warehouse in downtown Pittsburgh into Terminal 21, a 207-unit loft-style apartment community for The Davis Companies, in collaboration with Strada Architecture. Originally constructed in 1921, the building underwent an extensive adaptive reuse renovation that preserved its industrial character while introducing modern residential spaces and amenities.

The redevelopment features exposed steel beams, polished concrete floors, and industrial-style windows, complemented by approximately 30,000 square feet of resident amenities. Highlights include a dramatic two-story entrance, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, duckpin bowling lanes, music practice rooms, a makerspace, and collaborative gathering spaces.

Throughout preconstruction and construction, Shannon identified more than $3 million in value engineering savings through the strategic reuse of existing building systems, materials, and infrastructure. The project also required significant structural modifications, careful integration of new construction with existing conditions, and phased coordination within a constrained downtown site.

The completed transformation demonstrates Shannon's expertise in complex adaptive reuse, multifamily construction, and delivering exceptional value while preserving a building's architectural character.

Project Highlights

Historic warehouse conversion into 207 loft-style apartments
Approximately 30,000 SF of resident amenities
Major structural modifications for a two-story entrance
More than $3 million in preconstruction value engineering savings
Extensive reuse of existing building systems and materials
Phased construction within a constrained downtown site

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FEMA National Emergency Training Center

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