🏢 Project Spotlight: Bringing Consistency, Comfort, and Solar Control to South Broad Plaza
- Vanguard Specialty Products

- May 13
- 4 min read

At Vanguard Specialty Products, we understand that large commercial properties require more than just quality products - they need a trusted partner who can coordinate supply and installation with minimal disruption to tenants and building operations.
Last year, our team completed a major roller shade project at South Broad Plaza, delivering a cohesive and high-performing shading solution across both the North Tower and South Tower.
Working closely with the property management team, Vanguard supplied and installed 232 custom roller shades covering all exterior glazing throughout the complex, including the main lobby. Because South Broad Plaza is a multi-tenant office property, the project was strategically divided into 4 carefully planned phases to accommodate tenant schedules and ensure day-to-day operations continued smoothly.
The result is a clean, consistent appearance throughout the building, along with improved daylight management, enhanced occupant comfort, and reduced solar heat gain.
📋 Project Overview

South Broad Plaza is a prominent multi-tenant commercial office complex that required a standardized window shading solution across two towers and shared common spaces.
The property management team wanted a solution that would:
Improve occupant comfort
Reduce glare and solar heat gain
Maintain exterior views
Create a uniform appearance throughout the building
Minimize disruption to tenants during installation
Vanguard Specialty Products was selected to provide a turnkey solution, handling both product supply and professional installation from start to finish.
🛠️ Project Scope
Our scope of work included:
Supply and installation of 232 roller shades
Exterior glazing throughout the North Tower and South Tower
Main lobby and common areas
Coordination with multiple tenants
Phased installation over 4 stages
Close collaboration with the property management team
By managing every aspect of the project in-house, Vanguard was able to maintain quality control, streamline scheduling, and ensure the finished installation met the client's expectations.
📐 Product Specifications
Shade System
Sentry™ chain-operated roller shades with standard color hem bars
Fabric
VISTA 3% screen fabric
Fabric Color
E3-002 Ivory
☀️ Why 3% Screen Fabric Was the Right Choice

The selected 3% openness screen fabric provides an ideal balance between solar protection and visibility.
Key benefits include:
Reduces glare on computer screens
Controls solar heat gain
Preserves daytime views to the outside
Allows natural light into interior spaces
Enhances occupant comfort
Supports a professional appearance
This type of fabric is especially popular in office environments where employees benefit from access to natural light without the discomfort caused by direct sun exposure.
🏢 Coordinating a Multi-Tenant Installation
One of the most important aspects of this project was coordinating installation around the needs of multiple tenants.
Rather than attempting to complete the work all at once, the project was divided into 4 phases. This approach allowed the property management team to schedule access to each area while minimizing interruptions to business operations.
Our experienced installation team worked efficiently and professionally to complete each phase according to plan.
🎯 The Result
The completed installation delivered substantial benefits for both property management and tenants.
Improved Occupant Comfort
Tenants now enjoy better glare control and more consistent indoor temperatures.
Enhanced Building Appearance
The matching shades create a clean, unified look across both towers and the lobby.
Better Light Management
Natural light is preserved while reducing harsh sunlight and heat gain.
Long-Term Durability
Commercial-grade materials ensure dependable performance for years to come.
Simplified Property Management
A consistent shading solution is easier to maintain and manage across the entire complex.

🤝 One Partner from Supply to Installation
At Vanguard Specialty Products, we provide complete turnkey solutions for commercial window coverings.
By supplying and installing our products, we offer clients:
One point of contact from start to finish
Coordinated scheduling and installation
Expert installers who know the products inside and out
Reduced project risk
Consistent quality control
This integrated approach helps projects stay on schedule while delivering reliable, professional results.
🏢 Commercial Window Shade Solutions for Office Buildings
Whether you are managing an office tower, healthcare facility, educational institution, government building, or multi-family development, Vanguard Specialty Products can provide customized shading solutions designed to meet your project goals.
Our solutions include:
Manual and motorized roller shades
Solar screen shades
Blackout shades
Dual shade systems
Custom drapery
Stage curtains
📞 Planning a Commercial Window Shade Project?
If you are looking for a dependable partner to supply and install commercial roller shades, Vanguard Specialty Products has the experience and expertise to help.
From a single tenant improvement to a large multi-phase building retrofit, our team delivers professional solutions tailored to your project requirements.
Contact Vanguard Specialty Products today to discuss your upcoming project.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roller Shades
What are commercial roller shades?
Commercial roller shades are durable window coverings designed for office buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and other commercial spaces. They help control glare, heat, and privacy while maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
What is 3% openness screen fabric?
3% openness fabric allows approximately 3% of light to pass through the material. It reduces glare and solar heat gain while preserving daytime visibility to the outdoors.
Are chain-operated roller shades suitable for office buildings?
Yes. Chain-operated roller shades are a cost-effective and reliable option for many commercial applications. They are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance.
How many roller shades were installed at South Broad Plaza?
Vanguard Specialty Products supplied and installed 232 roller shades across the North Tower, South Tower, and lobby areas.
Why was the project completed in phases?
The project was divided into 4 phases to accommodate tenant schedules and reduce disruption to normal building operations.
What are the benefits of installing solar screen roller shades?
Solar screen shades can:
Reduce glare
Improve occupant comfort
Lower solar heat gain
Preserve outside views
Protect interior furnishings from UV exposure
Can Vanguard Specialty Products supply and install roller shades?
Yes. Vanguard offers both product supply and professional installation, providing clients with a complete turnkey solution.
What types of buildings use commercial roller shades?
Commercial roller shades are commonly used in:
Office buildings
Schools
Universities
Hospitals
Government facilities
Hotels
Multi-family residential buildings
How long do commercial roller shades last?
With proper use and maintenance, high-quality commercial roller shades can provide reliable performance for many years.
Does Vanguard Specialty Products offer custom window shade solutions?
Yes. Every project is tailored to the client's needs, including fabric selection, operating system, openness level, and installation scheduling.




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