In 2018, Fourth River Development LLC, a full-service commercial real estate company, renovated the 225 Boulevard of the Allies Class A office building located in the Central Business District of Pittsburgh, PA. Class A buildings have high-quality standard finishes, state-of-the-art systems, a defined market presence, and exceptional accessibility.¹ And, more efficient accessibility of the building’s parking garage was a priority which meant a new and improved entrance/exit door would be an important aspect of the renovation.

The process of selecting an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional door that would match the modern building components involved a team approach. Fourth River Development LLC (owner) and Pieper O’Brien and Herr Architects agreed on a high-performance door. According to the Door & Access Systems Manufacturing Association International (DASMA), a high-performance door is a power-operated rolling, folding, or sliding non-residential door, characterized by either 100 or more cycles per day or having an opening speed of 20 or more inches per second.²

Curb Appeal + Functionality

John Watson, Managing Principal for Fourth River Development LLC, had previous experience with steel overhead-style doors but knew he wanted a door with more curb appeal than that type of door could offer. He previously worked with Hörmann and was familiar with their range of door models. Hörmann’s sales manager collaborated with John and the architect to choose the most appropriate high-performance door that would satisfy the desired aesthetics and functionality requirements, while at the same time, accommodating the garage exhaust system and ventilation louvers. This involved determining the ideal door opening dimensions of 17‘6“ wide by 8‘0“ high to accommodate ventilation louvers and still allow for two cars to enter/exit together.