CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Project History
In 1926, owner Harry Fawcett constructed Chicago’s most
fashionable residential hotel, “the Shoreland”, which featured
ornate stonework and a terracotta exterior. In 2004, the
Shoreland’s massive rehabilitation into luxury condominiums
welcomed yet another life for this prominent building.
Water penetration through cracks and harsh freeze-thaw
cycles caused deterioration of the terracotta. Matrix, a repair
mortar for terracotta, was selected for its on-site color
matching to rebuild the ornate terracotta elements. M3P
(mineral silicate paint) and Terracotta Matte (clear finish)
were selected to match the glaze finish. Cracks were filled
with epoxy and Matrix was used in full-depth repairs.
The original terracotta pattern looked like a mud wasp nest
and proved difficult to replicate. An artist/sculptor from the
Local 52 Union faithfully recreated the characteristics with
Matrix. Ornate terracotta medallions at the top of the building
featured five colors and were redone with M3P. Terracotta
Matte was applied wherever only a finish coat was required.

Time Frame – 2005

Architect
Inspec Inc.,
Milwaukee, WI

Contractor Berglund
Construction,
Chicago, IL

Distributor
The Glenrock
Company,
Northlake, IL