Downtown Columbus Commercial Tower Repaint
a Case Study by CertaPro Painters® of Columbus, OH
High Expectations in Downtown Columbus, OH
In Summer 2025, CertaPro Painters® of Columbus, OH completed a major exterior restoration for a 12-story, 157-foot-tall commercial building in Downtown Columbus. Over the course of seven weeks, the team repainted all masonry panels between the glass on every side of the high-rise, refreshed multiple first-floor architectural elements, and replaced deteriorated expansion joints throughout the façade.
The project transformed the building’s appearance—most notably by updating the concrete bands from a faded tan to Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, giving the structure a striking, modern presence in the city skyline. An exterior upgrade of this size required detailed prep work, multi-stage coordination with building access points, strict safety planning, and the use of specialized swing stages to reach upper elevations.
The result was a dramatic aesthetic improvement paired with long-term protection across the entire building envelope. Find details, photos and video of the impressive transformation in this case study.
PROJECT SCOPE:
This project involved painting all masonry panels and concrete bands throughout the building’s exterior, along with several key areas at ground level. The team prepared and coated masonry panels between the glass on all sides of the building, first floor columns and ceilings along the front and right-side walkways, perimeter columns, and concrete panels near the front elevator access.
Preparation included power washing and hand washing to remove buildup and ensure proper adhesion. A major portion of the scope involved replacing approximately 1,000 linear feet of vertical expansion joints, including removal of failing materials, installation of new backer rods, and application of elastomeric caulking between concrete panels.
All surfaces were primed and painted using Sherwin-Williams Loxon Masonry Primer and an Acrolon finish coat, applied in the client’s chosen colors:
Special Equipment & Techniques
Completing a project of this scale required significant planning and coordination. To safely access all areas of the 12-story exterior, the team used swing stages rigged from the rooftop along with boom and scissor lifts for the lower elevations. Coordinating rooftop access for rigging and safely moving equipment around the building was essential to maintaining progress.
Full fall-protection systems, including harnesses, tie-offs, and other safety devices, were used throughout the project, and the crew sequenced work strategically to maintain safety, protect pedestrians, and keep the job running smoothly. The crew applied elastomeric caulking and installed new backer rods during the replacement of approximately 1,000 linear feet of expansion joints, ensuring lasting flexibility and weather resistance.
The Sherwin-Williams Loxon Masonry Primer and Acrolon topcoat provided exceptional adhesion, durability, and long-term color retention suitable for a high-rise environment.
Before Photos
Click any photo to zoom in and scroll.
The Final Results
The finished project delivered a dramatic visual upgrade.
Commercial Services We Offer
Drywall Repair
Drywall panels can be repaired or replaced, eliminating signs of wear and tear.
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Exterior Painting
Quality exterior painting can transform a building with color, whether the project calls for conforming to existing standards or making a fresh, bold statement. We can paint all substrates including wood, stucco, vinyl and aluminum, block and cement board.
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High-Durability Coatings
Our team is skilled in applying high-durability coatings for floors, walls, and high-wear areas requiring long-term painting solutions.
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Interior Painting
Our professional painting crews will complete interior painting projects with utmost respect for the property and its occupants.
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Light Carpentry and Repairs
Repairing and replacing siding, including wood, metalwork, stucco, and EIFS – as well as interior drywall, plaster and woodwork – making sure surfaces are in good condition and ready to accept paint.
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Off-hours and Weekend Production
If a project has specific timing requirements, we’re more than happy to accommodate them.
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Tilt-up Repairs and Painting
We can patch and caulk any cracked areas for protection from water intrusion and to provide a smooth surface for paint application. We’re prepared to handle every aspect of difficult-access projects.
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Power Washing
A clean surface is required for excellent paint adherence. When appropriate for the material, we offer power washing services before painting begins.
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Project Information
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