When Fidelity Investments began a major workplace modernization initiative at its Merrimack campus, the project required more than a standard window replacement. Aging exterior systems dating back to the 1970s needed to be upgraded for energy efficiency, while an entire floor was being transformed into a modern office environment with a firm move-in deadline.
With a compressed schedule and an occupied building, Fidelity and the project team needed a glazing and architectural systems partner that could move quickly without compromising quality or design intent.
The Challenge
The project involved a comprehensive scope that included:
- Exterior Kawneer ribbon windows
- Exterior Kawneer curtain wall systems
- Interior aluminum partitions
- Interior all-glass entrances
- Wood doors
- Hollow metal frames
- Finish hardware
- Interior glazing systems
Several factors added complexity to the project:
- Existing windows installed in the 1970s required replacement and energy-performance upgrades.
- The building remained occupied throughout construction.
- The renovated floor had a strict third-quarter occupancy deadline.
- Limited time was available for field measurements.
- Multiple trades had to coordinate closely to ensure opening dimensions and installation requirements remained accurate.
- Material procurement timelines had to align with an aggressive construction schedule.
From submittals and approvals to fabrication and installation, nearly every aspect of the project was time-sensitive.
Our Approach
To help meet the accelerated schedule, Portland Glass worked closely with the ownership group, design team, general contractor, and manufacturers to identify solutions that would reduce lead times while preserving project requirements.
As a Kawneer partner, Portland Glass recommended the Kawneer AA6400 Window System, which is available in stock-length materials that can be fabricated directly within our production facility.
This approach provided significant advantages:
- Reduced window lead times by more than 50%
- Maintained the project's design intent and performance requirements
- Increased schedule flexibility
- Allowed greater control over fabrication and delivery timing
For the interior office buildout, Portland Glass partnered with Wilson Partitions to provide aluminum framing systems that aligned with the project's modern workplace design goals.
Throughout the project, our team coordinated closely with other trades to ensure rough openings, hardware selections, glazing specifications, and framing requirements remained aligned despite the accelerated schedule.
Why It Worked
Rather than simply supplying products, Portland Glass became an active problem-solving partner throughout the project.
Our team's experience allowed us to anticipate many of the challenges commonly encountered on large-scale occupied-building renovations. By leveraging long-standing manufacturer relationships, in-house fabrication capabilities, and proactive coordination with the construction team, we helped keep the project moving forward despite the demanding timeline.
Results
Project Status: Ongoing
Schedule: January 2026 – September 2026
The project remains on track toward its targeted completion date and planned third-quarter occupancy milestone.
A final project recap and performance results will be added upon completion.
What This Project Demonstrates
This project highlights Portland Glass's ability to:
- Manage complex, multi-phase commercial projects
- Deliver solutions for occupied facilities
- Coordinate effectively with owners, architects, general contractors, and other trades
- Leverage manufacturer partnerships to overcome schedule challenges
- Maintain design intent while finding creative ways to accelerate delivery
- Fabricate and deliver custom glazing systems under tight timelines
For commercial customers facing demanding schedules, renovation challenges, or complex glazing requirements, this project demonstrates how Portland Glass can provide both technical expertise and practical solutions to help projects succeed.
Project Details
Customer Type: Corporate / Commercial Office
Location: Merrimack, NH
Services Provided: Interior Aluminum Partitions, Exterior Kawneer Ribbon Windows, Exterior Kawneer Curtain Wall, Interior All-Glass Entrances, Wood Doors, Hollow Metal Frames, Finish Hardware, and Interior Glazing
Timeline: January 2026 – September 2026 (In Progress)
Key Priority: Meeting an aggressive move-in schedule while maintaining quality and design intent.
