The Cardello Building
See how AIRSCAPE restores commercial exteriors across South Florida and Pittsburgh with smarter access, less disruption, and drone-powered cleaning where it makes sense.
Introduction
The Cardello Building is one of Pittsburgh’s most historically significant commercial structures. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, it once housed the Cardello Casket Company, a manufacturer that produced wooden caskets used during the Civil War era. Today, the property has been restored into a modern office building, but its architecture with tall window bays, intricate façade details, and preserved masonry makes exterior maintenance uniquely challenging.
The owners needed a solution to clean years of environmental buildup on the windows and the interior courtyard, while protecting the historic façade and avoiding the disruption caused by traditional cleaning methods.
AIRSCAPE was brought in to perform a full drone-powered exterior window cleaning and courtyard wash using our DI water system, allowing the building to be refreshed without lifts, chemicals, or risk to historic elements.
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Historic Preservation Constraints
Historic façade & preservation rules
Abrasive chemicals and heavy-pressure cleaning were not allowed on or near the stonework
Restricted Access at Height
Tight access + height limitations
Surrounding streets and parking made lift placement extremely difficult and costly.
Extensive Glass Surface Contamination
Large window surface area
Pollution from nearby roads, river airflow, and years between cleanings resulted in significant buildup.
Before and After
Before :
Time and exposure had gradually dulled the Cardello Building’s exterior glass, softening details that once caught the light. Years of environmental buildup settled into the façade, yet the building’s historic nature limited the use of aggressive methods or heavy equipment. Any intervention required a careful balance between cleaning and conservation.
After :
With a light, deliberate approach, clarity was restored without disturbing the building’s character. The glass now reflects its surroundings as intended, revealing architectural details once muted by time. The result is a renewed presence, quietly elevated, achieved through precision, restraint, and respect for the structure’s legacy.
Real Results After Precision Drone Cleaning
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3 days total on-site
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0% disruption to tenants and office staff
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$0 spent on lift rentals
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Zero façade contact, protecting the building’s historic integrity
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No scaffolding or rope-access systems required
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No sidewalk or lane closures
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Minimal impact on daily business operations
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Improved building appearance and curb appeal
Final Result
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Brighter interior spaces
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Clearer courtyard visibility
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Sharp improvement in curb appeal from all angles of the building
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Zero operational disruption
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No sidewalk or lane closures
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No lifts, scaffolding, rope systems, or noise
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Businesses inside remained fully operational
