Western Specialty Contractors - Chicago Masonry Branch (formerly named Western Waterproofing Company) recently completed façade repairs to the Gold Coast Galleria Condominiums in Downtown Chicago, Ill.

The 34-story, residential building is constructed of exposed painted concrete slabs, shear walls, columns, balconies and an aluminum and glass window wall system. Constructed in 1991, the building's facade was showing signs of distress due to normal aging of sealants and isolated concrete distress.

Western's scope of work included: removal and replacement of unsound concrete; 100 percent removal and replacement of concrete-to-metal sealants; 100 percent removal and replacement of window glazing; rout and seal of hairline concrete cracks; installation of a new balcony coating membrane; and application of an architectural coating to all exposed concrete.

Western crews were able to access the façade for repairs by assembling seven swing stages with weights and beams around the entire exterior of the building. A system of tarps and chutes was set up below work areas to collect falling demolition debris and protect pedestrians below.

In total, Western crews applied approximately 400 square-feet of an architectural coating to recoat the concrete façade surfaces.

The project was completed within nine months.