07-29-2025

Old Republic Aerospace Tenant Improvement Construction: Building Beyond the Drawings

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Tenant Improvement Construction

Success in commercial tenant improvement construction isn’t just about laying foundations, meeting budgets and deadlines—it’s about forging strong partnerships, staying agile, and tackling challenges head-on. Catamount Constructors’ recent work on a 33,548 square-foot tenant improvement construction project for Old Republic Aerospace proved trust, transparent communication, and strategic problem-solving are the keys to delivering exceptional results. 

A Relationship-Driven Approach to Construction

Strong partnerships are the foundation of every successful project. Catamount’s superintendent, Joe Wallo, worked closely with Gordon Murray, Senior Vice President with Old Republic Aerospace to transform their space into the customized environment they envisioned. The project involved complete demolition, the addition of new offices, and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Gordon’s hands-on involvement and proactive communication helped keep project execution aligned with his team’s vision. 

“Catamount’s ability to communicate and collaborate effectively had an extremely positive impact on the project,” said Murray. “I could very quickly access key contributors at Catamount at any time an issue came up. There is no question, we were absolutely treated as their highest priority throughout the project and well beyond.” 

Old Republic Aerospace, client lobby
Old Republic Aerospace, office design

When design changes emerged, Catamount collaborated with the architect to seamlessly integrate modifications without disrupting the schedule or budget. This cooperative approach made certain the space not only met operational needs but also captured Old Republic Aerospace’s design intent.  

“Collaboration and strong relationships helped us deliver exactly what our client envisioned,” said Wallo. “By keeping communication open and staying flexible, we made sure to align every step with our client’s vision and deliver a result everyone is proud of.” 

The Power of Collaboration 

With a fast-paced schedule and multiple scopes converging, Catamount’s proactive approach was essential to avoid unnecessary costs or setbacks. Our team anticipated integration challenges between audiovisual (AV), low-voltage (LV), and in-wall rough-in work and maintained tight coordination to keep all scopes aligned. On-site meetings and real-time schedule adjustments ensured seamless progress. Likewise, we engaged the owner’s furniture vendor early, eliminating conflicts with floor box placements and power requirements. 

“Bringing all stakeholders together early helped us prevent surprises and allowed us space to adapt to changes, streamlining the entire process while maintaining schedule and budget,” Mary Clift, Project Executive with Catamount explained. 

Navigating Unexpected Challenges 

In commercial construction, even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected challenges. On this project, moisture testing confirmed elevated levels in the 20-year-old slab-on-grade, which had not been constructed with a vapor barrier. Recognizing the potential risk to finishes and schedule, Catamount moved forward with a moisture mitigation protocol to maintain momentum. Our proactive approach prioritized meeting our client’s expectations and avoided costly delays. 

Additionally, budget constraints required creative problem-solving. By collaborating with the designer, subcontractors, and vendors, we identified cost-effective materials aligned with design intent and reduced costs. Our solutions preserved the original vision while keeping the project on budget and schedule. 

“Challenges are inevitable, but our team thrives on finding effective solutions,” Wallo said. “Whether it was managing unexpected site conditions or identifying cost-effective alternatives, we were committed to keeping this project moving forward.” 

Tenant improvement construction, Old Republic Aerospace, senior management office

The Value of Transparency and Collaboration

At Catamount, transparency is not just a practice; it’s the cornerstone of our approach. From the start of the Old Republic Aerospace project, we established open communication between trade partners, the architect, and the client’s team. Regular coordination meetings allowed us to address challenges in real-time, guaranteeing alignment and preventing costly delays. 

This commitment to collaboration was reinforced by a strong focus on quality control. For the custom millwork, we conducted thorough shop drawing reviews, ensuring every detail aligned with functional needs, design intent, and budget before fabrication. This proactive approach not only upheld project standards but also eliminated expensive last-minute changes. 

“Our team’s mission is to foster clear communication, align expectations, and solve challenges before they become problems,” said Clift. “By keeping transparency and collaboration at the forefront, our team made sure every stakeholder was engaged.” 

Building a Strong Foundation

The Old Republic Aerospace project was more than just tenant improvement construction; it was an opportunity to showcase Catamount’s commitment to excellence in collaboration, execution, and delivery of an exceptional client experience. By prioritizing relationships, proactive problem-solving, and transparency, we not only achieved a successful outcome but reinforced long-term industry connections. 

“Our space is STUNNING,” said Murray. “The depth of planning and high-quality work invested in our space is immediately evident when you walk in the door, and it is far beyond what we had anticipated. To this day, staff and guests rave about how well thought out, how comfortable and how nice the finishes are. The fit and finish of our space is a reflection of the attention to detail our superintendent and PM demanded. We are exceptionally pleased with our investment.” 

Tenant improvement construction, Old Republic Aerospace, kitchen design
Tenant improvement construction, Old Republic Aerospace, client refreshment area

At Catamount, every project is an opportunity to refine our approach, deepen our partnerships, and set new standards for excellence. Because when construction is about more than just building structures—it’s about building trust—the results speak for themselves. Ready to partner with a team that puts your project’s success first? Let’s talk about how we can support your tentant improvement construction success. 

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