A Smooth Relocation and Comprehensive Security Upgrade for Regional Law Firm

In March 2024, the 94-year-old law firm of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA embarked on a major effort to relocate their Cleveland headquarters to a new office space in Independence, Ohio. The relocation involved moving into an existing two-story building which was slated for a complete interior renovation.

As a trusted and longstanding partner of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, Harrington Electric Co., under the leadership of telecommunications estimator and project manager, John Costella, was engaged to provide a range of critical services, including voice and data cabling, security systems, and audio/visual work for the new space.

The new headquarters, located in a building originally constructed in the mid-70’s, required extensive gutting and renovation throughout. The ensuing demolition involved tearing down walls, designing new office and work spaces, and installing the necessary power and communications lines to support the large-scale operation.

The project required the installation of approximately 85,000 feet of data cable and roughly 30,000 feet of security cabling across two floors. The Harrington team set up telecommunications rooms (TRs) on each floor, with all cabling on each respective floor terminating in the corresponding TR.

The scope of work also included setting up comprehensive security measures throughout the building, coordinated by Harrington’s security systems specialist and project manager, Christina Lutz. The security system included CCTV cameras, defined access points, card swipes, intrusion detection systems, and motion detectors. In total, nearly 30 cameras were installed throughout the new headquarters, covering cubicles, offices, and key entry points, with all security camera cabling directly routed to a dedicated security room on the first floor, where state-of-the-art data equipment, switches and access control systems were installed.

The audio/visual work also enabled the firm’s conference room to be equipped with the latest technology, enhancing the firm’s ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.

According to John Costella, one of the unique aspects of this project featured the overall collaborative environment. Unlike typical projects where contractors work under the direction of a general contractor, Harrington Electric operated independently while collaborating closely with Weltman, Weinberg’s own in-house technology team. (Harrington has previously completed several projects for the firm at its Cincinnati office.)

The project was notable not only for its size but also for the efficiency with which it was executed. Harrington Electric’s project team, led by foreman Adam Gatts and key team members Matthew Mize and Jordan Robertson, expertly managed the installation process, working seamlessly alongside a variety of outside construction contractors during the renovation process.

“It was a somewhat unique situation in that our project team worked directly for the client, as opposed to working for an outside contractor,” explained Costella. “This approach allowed for efficient communication and coordination, which ensured that the project progressed smoothly without significant disruptions. And the firm’s team was absolutely great to work with.”

As a result of the project, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis’ large-scale upgrade from Cat6 to Cat6a cabling has significantly improved the firm’s bandwidth capabilities, while short fiber runs have enhanced network performance and reliability. Further, the upgraded technology will allow the firm adequate room for long-term growth and adaptability.

“They’ve taken a somewhat older, outdated building and transformed it into a beautiful workplace supported by a modern, secure and highly efficient technology backbone,” said Costella.