Concrete Repair Materials to Restore a Cleveland Landmark on the Shores of Lake Erie

Within the next couple of years, Clevelanders will be able to enjoy another one of the city's architectural gems, The Cleveland Coast Guard Station. The station is a historic landmark which lays at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River at the end of a 1,000 foot pier on Whiskey Island. This important piece of Cleveland history recently received much needed exterior renovations. The one-time Great Lakes headquarters for the United States Coast Guard has been vacant since 1976, when the Coast Guard moved to its current location off of the E. 9th Street Pier. Completed in 1940, the station was designed by the architect J. Milton Dyer, who is best known for designing Cleveland City Hall. Designed in the art deco style and made to look like a ship, the station has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places (Reference #76001390).

In 2003, the City of Cleveland regained possession of the building for just $1 and has done basic repairs to the building to keep it from further deteriorating. The city gave the Cleveland Metroparks control of the Coast Guard Station, along with Wendy Park and Edgewater Park in 2015. The Cleveland Metroparks, with the help of public and private partners, has recently completed the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Coast Guard Station. The work to the structures, which include the main 2-story building with a 60’ lookout tower, a 2-story boat house and garage, is primarily exterior.

The concrete repair to this historic landmark is being completed by the general contracting company JADCO Construction Services. JADCO was faced with a very tight deadline, and their team was prepared for the challenge. The Chas. E. Phipps Company appreciated the opportunity to partner with JADCO and supply concrete repair materials and equipment from a few of our largest manufacturers. All horizontal and vertical repairs were square cut and prepared according to ICRI surface preparation guidelines. To make the cuts JADCO used a Dewalt 6" grinder with a tuckpoint dust shroud attachment. This shroud greatly reduces the amount of dust created when cutting, making for a safe work environment.

Jadco employee preparing formwork prior to install of Sikaquick 1000

Sikaquick 1000, manufactured by Sika, was selected for all horizontal repairs and vertical form and pour applications. This material is a fast setting repair mortar that can be coated in 6 hours. To seal all openings and joints Sikaflex 2C-NS EZ Mix was selected for its great adhesion and 50% +/- movement capability. All trowel applied vertical repairs were completed with Euclid Chemical's Verticoat. This product is a two component, polymer modified repair mortar used for vertical and overhead applications. Verticoat is known for its excellent workability, and can withstand the extreme weather conditions the Coast Guard Station faces on the shores of Lake Erie.

"This was an exciting project because it is a piece of Cleveland history. We were proud to be a part of it." Mike Biegacki – Vice President JADCO Construction Services.

Plans for the Cleveland Coast Guard Station have yet to be finalized by the Cleveland Metroparks, but because of the foresight of those involved with the restoration of this gateway to the city, Clevelanders will one day be able to enjoy this unique public building and its incredible location.

Concrete that will be repaired is being marked

Jadco employee prepping concrete for repair using Euclid Chemical's Verticoat