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THE DAVIS COMPANIES DELIVERS UTB INTO ITS SECOND CENTURY AS MODERN, LEED CERTIFIED WORK/PLAY ENVIRONMENT BY WAY OF A $100M RENOVATION.

New Heating / Ventilation and Air Conditioning System

The building had no air conditioning or ventilation until 1980.

At that time, a whole-building ventilation system was installed by Mellon Bank with chilled water being supplied by a building across the street. As part of this renovation, The Davis Companies installed a chilled water plant, cooling towers, and all associated piping to create an entirely new stand-alone air conditioning system.

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New Electrical System

Similarly, the 480v electrical service was also being supplied by an adjacent building. Through this project, The Davis Companies has re-constructed

the existing electrical utility vaults, added two (2) new vaults, and has installed four (4) new electrical transformers and switchgear, which distributes the new service throughout the building.

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Roof Restoration

The beautiful and much renowned terra-cotta tile mansard roof is approaching 100 years of age.

Over that time, lack of proper maintenance has caused deterioration and failing of the roof system, allowing the elements to infiltrate the building. The Davis Companies has undertaken a major restoration effort by removing the tiles around the dormer windows and in other compromised locations, applying new waterproof systems, and reinstalling the original tile. Where the original tile is damaged beyond repair, and incapable of being reinstalled, The Davis Companies has recasted the pieces using the original molds from 100 years ago to maintain the historical integrity of the building.

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Façade Restoration

The Union Trust Building was wrapped in Ohio Sandstone. While beautiful, it has a high iron content which over time has leeched rust onto the exterior, giving it a tea-stained effect.

Our scope includes treating and sealing the sandstone to bring it back to the original intent of the building façade, while also repointing the mortar joints and sealing all of the window penetrations. This scope of work is resulting in not only a magnificent appearance, but a more energy efficient building as well.

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Sidewalk Vault Repair

Being located in a central business district in a major city, the sidewalks have also been subject to extreme wear and tea.

This has resulted in compromising their water barrier and structural integrity. The Davis Companies has removed the structural and topping slabs of the sidewalk and installed a new structural system, waterproofing and architectural topping slab.

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190 Underground Parking Spaces

The building has never had parking available in the lower levels due to the lack of street access , the multiple basement levels (due to topography), and the narrow column grid.

Through creative design, The Davis Companies has engineered modifications including ramping, ventilation, and street access to accommodate 190 vehicles for on site basement parking.

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Modernization of 12 Elevators

While the elevator controls have been upgraded over the years, the elevator machinery is original.

The Davis Companies has modernized all ten (10) of the passenger elevators as well as the two (2) freight elevators with Gen 2 motors and Compass call systems to provide a vertical transportation system that is more energy efficient and smartly deployed.

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Reactivated Retail Arcade

Over the years the interior public arcades have taken on a cold, sterile, and almost institutional atmosphere. The Davis Companies’ vision for the building is to re-activate the ground floor arcade.

This will be accomplished through the introduction of more colorful interior elements from carpeting and furniture to elaborate light fixtures and signature artwork. The retail spaces will flow into the public arcades, engaging the public in a way that has not been realized at the Union Trust Building for generations.

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Interior Façade Restoration

For the building’s first 60+ years, the interior terra cotta tile has been 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 has caused a discoloration of the tile that has given it a yellowed or stained appearance. The Davis Companies cleaned and repointed the tile in the first floor lobbies to regain the brightness and vitality of the tile as originally intended.

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New Tenant Entries

As the building has transformed under various owners since its construction, the upper floors have undergone a modification of the tenant entrances from the grand rotunda into the leased spaces.

This has resulted in visually closing off the tenant spaces from the beautiful rotunda that it surrounds. The Davis Companies removed the tenant entrances and replaced them with a series of linear and curved glass panels to provide visual access between the public rotunda area and the individual tenant spaces allowing more light and visual access between the exterior and the rotunda.

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