About
DAVIS DELIVERED UTB INTO ITS SECOND CENTURY AS MODERN, LEED CERTIFIED WORK/PLAY ENVIRONMENT BY WAY OF A $100M RENOVATION.
New Electrical System
Previously, 480v electrical service was supplied by an adjacent building. Davis re-constructed the existing electrical utility vaults, added two new vaults, and installed four new electrical transformers and switchgear, which distributes the new service throughout the building.
Roof Restoration
The beautiful and renowned terra-cotta tile mansard roof is 100 years old. Over the years, a lack of proper maintenance caused deterioration and failure of the roof system, allowing the elements to infiltrate the building. Davis embarked on a major tile restoration effort which included removal of all compromised tile, installation of new waterproof systems, and reinstallation of the original tile. Where the original tile was damaged beyond repair, new pieces were recast using the original 100-year-old molds to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
Façade Restoration
The building is wrapped in Ohio Sandstone. While beautiful, it has a high iron content which over time leeched rust onto the exterior, giving it a tea-stained effect. Davis treated and sealed the sandstone, repointed the mortar joints and sealed the window penetrations resulting in a stunning appearance in line with the original look and a more energy efficient building.
Sidewalk Vault Repair
Located in a central business district in a major city, the sidewalks were subjected to extreme wear and tear over the years resulting in a compromised water barrier and structural integrity. The damaged structural and topping slabs were removed and replaced with a new structural system, waterproofing and architectural topping slab.
Interior Façade Restoration
During the building’s first 60+ years, the interior terra cotta tile was subjected to the constant influx of smoke and grime blown in from the city streets through the four major entrances on each side of the building. This resulted in discoloration that gave the tile a yellow stained appearance. The tile was cleaned and repointed in the first-floor lobbies to restore its original brightness and vitality.
190 Underground Parking Spaces
There was no parking available in the lower levels of the building due to the lack of street access, the multiple basement levels (due to topography), and the narrow column grid. Through creative design, Davis engineered modifications including ramping, ventilation, and street access to accommodate 190 vehicles for on-site basement parking.
Modernization of 12 Elevators
The elevator controls were upgraded over the years, but the elevator machinery was original. All ten (10) of the passenger elevators and two (2) freight elevators were modernized with Gen 2 motors and Compass call systems resulting in a more energy efficient and smartly deployed vertical transportation system.
Reactivated Retail Arcade
The interior public arcades became cold, sterile and almost institutional over the years. The ground floor was reactivated through the introduction of more colorful interior elements from carpeting and furniture to elaborate light fixtures and signature artwork. The retail spaces now flow seamlessly into the public arcades, engaging the public in a way that had not been realized at the Union Trust Building for generations.
New Tenant Entries
The upper floors underwent modifications to the tenant entrances connecting the grand rotunda to the leased spaces. The tenant entrances were replaced with a series of linear and curved glass panels, ensuring more light and better visual access between the public rotunda area and individual tenant spaces.
New HVAC System
The building did not have air conditioning or ventilation until 1980. At that time, Mellon Bank had installed a whole-building ventilation system with the chilled water supplied by a building across the street. As part of the renovation, a new chilled water plant, cooling towers and piping was installed to create an entirely new stand-alone air conditioning system for the building.