Project Details

Project Name

Wagner College Student Union

Project Location

Staten Island, NY

Completion Date

2022

Involved Parties

Acrymax Systems

AWS-15 & SR-5

Project Gallery

Founded in the late 1800s, Wagner College has been a staple of the eastern Long Island community for well over a century. Boasting a picturesque campus sprawling across 38 acres, the institution provides unparalleled views of the vibrant New York Harbor, the iconic Manhattan skyline, the majestic Verrazano Bridge, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean.

Wagner College worked with Acrymax and Alpine Painting & Restoration to undertake a facade restoration project in 2022 to address the deterioration of its Student Union Building. The college chose Acrymax’s flexible coating systems for their performance and compatibility with various substrates to manage these concerns, preserving the building’s integrity and aesthetic appeal.

The Challenge

Wagner College began the building restoration project for its Student Union Building in 2022. Acrymax was tasked with preserving the structural integrity and returning this architecture to its original prime. The college partnered with Alpine Painting & Restoration to implement the coating systems.

The upper half of the building, characterized by striking concrete features woven into its design, had weathered significantly over decades of exposure. Mold, mildew, hairline cracks, and emerging signs of spalling compromised its waterproofing capabilities and marred its original beauty.

Meanwhile, the lower half of the façade, which sports elegant brickwork, presented a separate set of restoration challenges. Despite the brick being well pointed, the age and weathering of the brick and mortar rendered it susceptible to water infiltration, resulting in unsightly efflorescence staining and waterproofing issues.

The Acrymax Solution

To tackle the challenges of the upper half of the building, Acrymax began a meticulous restoration plan. The process began with a thorough cleaning to remove contaminants – a crucial step to ensure proper adhesion of the following coatings.

The Acrymax team began by priming the building with AF-110 Concrete and Masonry Sealer to ensure optimal adhesion. This was followed by the application of the AF-135 Protective Architectural Wall Coating System, which breathed new life into the façade, restoring its luster and protecting it against future deterioration.

For the lower half of the building, Acrymax selected the SR-5 Siloxane/Silane Sealer. It was chosen for its deep, penetrating protection and water-repellent capabilities, effectively safeguarding the brick without compromising its appearance. 

The Result

This successful restoration of Wagner College’s Student Union Building exemplifies the potential of modern building preservation techniques. Once marred by the ravages of time and exposure, the building now radiates renewed vitality and resilience. 

This successful building restoration project between Wagner College, Alpine Painting & Restoration, and Acrymax is a powerful example of how much can be accomplished with academia, industry, and innovation work together.

“Our team was impressed with Acrymax’s versatility of coating options,”  VP & Director of Commercial Division Dave Scaturro said. “Their SR-5 Siloxane-based penetrating sealer helped keep Wagner’s 100-year-old brick protected and allowed for the natural beauty to shine through.  Their AF-135 Elastomeric completely changed the look of the uncoated concrete to a fresh new-like appearance.”

The restoration project, facilitated by Acrymax’s coating systems, underscores the enduring legacy of Wagner College and its dedication to excellence in historic preservation. Fully revitalized, the Student Union Building now serves as a welcoming, protected space for the entire student body.