Industry News

Harmon Renovates Cleveland's Historic Terminal Tower with Wausau's Windows

Specialty glazing contractor Harmon, Inc. is renovating the historic Terminal Tower, one of downtown Cleveland's most recognized skyscrapers, with Wausau Window and Wall Systems' high-performance hung windows. Directed by Forest City Enterprises, Inc., the multi-phased project requires sensitivity not just for historic aesthetics and modern performance, but also to minimizing disruption to the office tenants within the building, as well as the nesting Peregrine Falcons outside its windows.

Originally, the Cleveland Union Terminal for train passengers' 52-story high-rise was considered the second tallest building in the world when it opened in the 1930s. It remained the tallest in North America outside of New York until 1964. In 1976 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its place in American history, as well as for its significance as an architectural landmark.

Now part of the 34-acre Tower City Center, one of the largest examples of mixed-use developments in the country, Terminal Tower also continues to serve the city as a transit hub and fully operational, 582,000-square-foot office building. Unfortunately, the window systems on this 75-year-old Cleveland icon were in need of a modern upgrade.

"The look, the age, the efficiency all contribute to the need for renovation," said Forest City's Don Beck. He estimates nearly 2,200 windows will be replaced when the project is complete. To keep its tenants comfortable and safe, Forest City's property managers called upon Harmon's renovation team to replace the aging, steel, single-hung system with Wausau's high-performance window units.

Along with the potential savings through increased energy efficiency of the new window system, Harmon also helped the Forest City take advantage of tax incentives offered to owners of income-generating Historic Register properties investing in the preservation and renovation of their buildings. Working closely with a historic society consultant, a sequenced priority for the massive undertaking was outlined. The most deteriorated units would be replaced first, followed by the next level of need, and then all those remaining would be updated floor-by-floor.

The historic consultant also needed to approve the chosen window design for aesthetic compatibility. Beck noted, "A lot of thought went into the windows selection to choose a product that was both contemporary and compatible with our existing structure."

Harmon's project manager Ted Butler elaborated, "The profiles had to look exactly the same. The narrow sightlines had to be identical to the previous units' and, of course, we had to meet the wind load and engineering standards for the Tower – all without changing the look of the building. We searched through a lot of products to find the right fit."

The search led to Wausau's 3100 Series hung windows with polyurethane thermal barrier. Beveled sashes and muntins further complemented the historic styling. Most of theses units were 54x83-inches and finished by Linetec in a sage brown to match the Terminal Tower's exterior masonry. "The finish was one of the most critical factors in finalizing the product selection," emphasized Butler.

The previous window system had been finished in a lead paint, so Harmon also brought in an independent environmental engineering company to determine the level of hazard associated with any filings and to recommend proper handling and disposal. "We were assured that this would not be considered dangerous, but we still sent all of our field crew through an eight-hour OSHA training program with the glazing unions. Everyone was fitted with a respirator and a HEPA filter was used in conjunction with our vacuum system," said Steve Norton, Harmon's director of sales.

Once the old units were carefully removed, the new panning covered the old interior frame and encapsulated its lead paint finish. After the opening and surrounding material were prepared, the new aluminum window sash was installed. Minimizing disruption to the tenants, Harmon completed this entire process after regular business hours, completing an average of six windows each night.

"In our line work, we often expect to encounter scheduling challenges and environmental issues such as lead paint, asbestos and mold. We have resources to tap for testing, training and remediation. But each project presents its own surprises," Norton continued. "On the Cleveland Terminal Tower, a new one for me was working around the nesting falcons outside the windows on the 20th floor. A representative from the DNR is on site to help our crews avoid the falcons as much as possible. This is to give the birds the space they need and to make sure they don't mistakenly attack in defense of their nests."

In spite of these challenges, Beck said, "It's going well. We're about one-third of the way through it." He adds that the window renovation is just one part of building's renovations. Other improvements are underway to enhance and update the masonry, elevator bays and more. "This is a massive, comprehensive restoration project."

"We have a long-standing relationship servicing Forest City's properties and were especially glad to be selected for this high-visibility project. It means a lot to live and work in Cleveland and have the opportunity to contribute to the buildings that make up your skyline and your neighborhoods," summarized Butler.

Nationally recognized for its innovative expertise, Wausau Window and Wall Systems is an industry leader in engineering window and curtainwall systems for commercial and institutional construction applications. For 50 years, Wausau has worked closely with architects, building owners and contractors to realize their vision for aesthetic beauty and lasting value, while striving to maintain the highest level of customer service, communication and overall satisfaction.

Wausau is a part of Apogee Enterprises Inc., a publicly held, U.S. corporation. For more information on Wausau Window and Wall Systems, please call 877-678-2983, or visit http://www.wausauwindow.com.