Monroe Hall Restoration, Tulane University

Baker’s Restoration team on the Gulf Coast led an extensive exterior concrete repair and coatings project for the concrete overhangs at Monroe Hall, a 12-story dormitory at Tulane University. The project was supported by specialists from LRT Restoration Technologies in Ohio.

The work was restricted to summer breaks, with three phases scheduled from May to August over a three-year period: 2023 to 2025. Meticulous planning during the fall and winter months was critical to keeping the project on schedule and overcoming challenges.

The original scope included approximately 40 form-and-pour repairs, followed by grinding, bi-directional glass fiber fabric installation, and painting. However, the team quickly encountered several issues. Weak concrete was hidden beneath the existing coatings, and the paint had adhesion issues with the existing membrane. Manlifts proved inefficient since they were difficult to maneuver and provided a limited work area.

Baker responded with innovative solutions. With approval from Tulane’s engineers, swing stages replaced the manlifts to increase efficiency and workspace. The restoration team also introduced new repair methods. In smaller, non-structural areas, the team removed loose concrete, drilled in mechanical anchors, and hand-packed material back in to restore the overhang shape before carbon fiber installation.

In the second summer, the Baker team refined processes even further to speed up the work without sacrificing quality.

Excessive temperatures added another layer of complexity. Epoxy and bi-directional glass fiber fabric had to be installed at night since daytime surface temperatures regularly exceeded 115°F. For quality control, the team performed coating reports four times throughout the day to confirm the conditions were acceptable for epoxy application.

The Monroe Hall Restoration showcases Baker’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver high-quality solutions for complex and evolving projects. Just as important, the team’s low-disruption approach kept any interruptions to Tulane’s summer operations to a minimum, ensuring the residence hall was ready to welcome students for the fall semester.

The team’s project management, innovation, and commitment to quality earned Baker a 2024 Excellence Award from the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.