WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

Project History
The Salem Square branch of the Worcester Public Library
was founded in 1859 by Dr. John Green. The library’s current
building constructed in 1964, had exterior webs and columns
featuring the “bush-hammered”effect, a once popular finish
for exposed concrete. When renovations began in 1999,
some of the concrete showed signs of spalling, corrosion
of reinforcing steel, and water entry. Conproco worked with
the design team from Tappe Associates to formulate and
implement a system of repair materials that would offer
long-term protection for the concrete, while softening the
harsh look of the original finish. Once the concrete had been
pressure washed, it was treated with Conpro Start consolidant. Patching was done with Conpro Set repair mortar. Plastermix,
a Portland Cement based resurfacing material (used for filling
surface irregularities), was then applied by trowel and floated
to a fine texture. After 14 days of curing, two coats of
Conpro Lastic elastomeric coating were applied for weather
protection and color consistency.

Time Frame – 1999 - 2001

Architect
Tappe
Associates Inc.,
Boston, MA

Contractor
Consigli
Construction
Co., Inc.,
Milford, MA

Distributor
Kesseli & Morse
Co., Inc.,
Worcester, MA