Western Specialty Contractors’ Des Moines branch has completed a significant façade restoration and waterproofing project at the Financial Center Apartments, a multi-family residential building located in downtown Des Moines. The work was performed for Hansen Company Inc., with Lawmark Capital as the property owner and Slingshot Architecture Inc. as the architect on the project. Construction began on March 10, 2025, and concluded on October 12, 2026.
The restoration played an important role in supporting the property’s transformation as part of a larger $60 million redevelopment effort. Western’s crews removed and replaced 70,000 linear feet of joint sealant across the building’s historic façade to improve weather resistance, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. Additional work included installing 11,000 square feet of hot-applied waterproofing membrane on a newly constructed amenity deck and completing 4,000 square feet of carbon fiber reinforcement and fireproofing on structural beams to support the added deck load on the existing structure safely.
Coordinating work on an occupied residential building required strong communication and planning between Western, the general contractor, and other trades involved in the redevelopment. One of the project’s unique challenges involved maintaining four swing stages in operation at all times. Another contractor was permitted to use Western’s stages to paint the building’s exterior, which required constant coordination to maintain production and minimize delays. This collaboration allowed the multifaceted project to progress safely and efficiently.
“Our team stayed focused on communication and timing throughout the project, especially with multiple contractors sharing access equipment and working on a fully occupied property,” said Project Manager Thomas Derry. “That coordination helped maintain the schedule and contributed to a successful outcome for everyone involved.”
Western Specialty Contractors completed the project within budget and on schedule, delivering enhanced protection, structural reinforcement, and waterproofing improvements that extend the building’s life while supporting the broader redevelopment initiative’s goals.
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About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.