The Union Trust Building
Erected in 1915-16 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the Union Trust Building was designed by Frederick J. Osterling.
The magnificent Union Trust Building is a stunning example of Flemish-Gothic architecture and the elegant setting of this year’s Emerald Evening. The building was constructed as the Union Arcade, featuring four floors of shops with seven floors of offices above. It was purchased by the Union Trust Company in 1922.
Its story is both an embodiment of Pittsburgh’s history and industrial past, and a leading example of a deep commitment to thoughtful restoration that embraces sustainability and operational best practices.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is distinguished by its ornate mansard roof – gracefully adorned with terra cotta dormers and chapel-like towers—and for its magnificent interior. Upon entering, visitors and tenants experience a central rotunda that features a grand 11-story atrium, topped at its 150-foot height by a breathtaking Tiffany-inspired stained-glass dome.
A Historic Transformation
Over the last decade, restoration efforts by the property owner, The Davis Companies, have brought this historic Pittsburgh property to 21st-century energy efficiency and operational standards, all while preserving the Union Trust Building’s grandeur and beauty.
Project Team
PWWG Architects partnered with Elkus Manfredi Architects for the project, transforming the property and enabling it to achieve Class-A, LEED Silver certification in 2019. Additional project team members included Wessling Architects; CJL Engineering; Atlantic Engineering Services; Mascaro Construction Co., L.P.; and Franco Associates.
Renovation Highlights
Renovation efforts over the past decade include cleaning the exterior stone and lighting the facade at night; extensive repair and restoration of the mansard roof using the original molds for the terra-cotta features; restoring the bronze storefronts; and replacing the laylight that illuminates the stained-glass dome. Upgrades also included all new HVAC and electrical systems, cooling towers, chillers, and double-pane windows, as well as new passenger and freight elevators and a new underground garage. LED lighting and occupancy/vacancy sensors contribute to energy efficiency.
The Union Trust Building joined the Pittsburgh 2030 District in 2018 and has since met their 50% emissions reduction goal.
Modern Elegance meets Functionality
The Davis Companies proudly self manages the building that holds 12 Class A Office tenants as well as several of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants.