American Painting Contractor

Saving History

Picture of Kevin Hoffman

Kevin Hoffman

A town landmark looks brand new

Sometimes a job is more than just a paycheck. Sometimes it’s about preserving history.

The Osgood Building has seen more than its fair share of calamities in its century and a half. In 1895, a fire destroyed the entire block, and Frank Osgood was among the first to rebuild. Twenty years later, a train jumped the tracks and plowed into the building.

PPD Painting was deeply humbled to have the opportunity to restore this historic building and felt a profound sense of duty to honor its significance.

“The restoration journey demanded unwavering attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to authenticity,” said Miguel Martinez. “Our mission was clear: to ensure that the beauty and essence of this iconic landmark would endure for generations to come.”

It wasn’t easy. The jobsite was smack dab in the center of bustling St. Charles, so Martinez had to deal with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. PPD Painting enacted new security policies to ensure the safety of everyone involved while operating in this fraught environment.

PPD started by scraping away decades of old paint and washing off dirt and debris. Skilled craftsmen removed and replaced rotted wood with new lumber. They used a clear, penetrating epoxy sealer and SculpWood epoxy putty to reinforce and restore the integrity of the compromised area. To finish, the company applied Sherwin-Williams Oil-Based Wood Primer, followed by SuperPaint.

“In summary, our exterior carpentry and painting service combined meticulous preparation, expert craftsmanship, and high-quality materials to deliver results that exceeded expectations,” Martinez said. “From protecting adjacent surfaces to applying the final coat of paint, every step was executed with precision and care.”

It was fitting treatment for a historic structure.