Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis branch completed façade repairs to the Target Winter Studio in Minneapolis, MN, addressing several areas of deterioration and improving the building’s protection against water infiltration.
The approximately 10,000-square-foot southern wall of the office building had an existing coating but was showing signs of deterioration. Deficiencies were identified in the wall’s tuckpointing, sealants and windows, along with cracks in the concrete masonry units. Target Corporation contracted Western as the prime contractor to repair the deteriorated areas and recoat the entire wall to provide a watertight exterior.
Western crews repaired cracks and deficient masonry joints, addressed deteriorated sealants and completed repairs around the windows before applying a new protective coating across the entire wall.
During the project, crews encountered an unexpected condition at one of the wall’s vertical joints. What was initially believed to be a control joint was discovered to be an expansion joint that had previously been caulked over. After removing the existing sealant, Western uncovered a failed joint beneath it.
Western worked closely with the Target team to evaluate the condition and determine an appropriate repair. Crews restored the failed expansion joint using materials similar to those of the original system before proceeding with the remaining façade work.
“Finding the failed expansion joint was an unexpected condition, but our team was able to work with Target to determine the best way to address it quickly,” said Matt Drew of Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis branch. “Taking care of the underlying deficiencies before recoating the wall was important to providing a complete repair and improving the wall’s resistance to water infiltration.”
The project began in April 2026 and was completed in May 2026. Western completed the work on time and within budget to the satisfaction of the project team.
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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.