Structural Concrete and Bollard Restoration at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Peter Merlo

RestoreWorks Masonry Restoration performed targeted concrete restoration and bollard repairs and replacements along the lower Riverwalk level of the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The project addressed vehicular impact caused by a garbage truck. Work included concrete reconstruction, bollard replacement, and new sheet metal integration to restore durability, safety, and long-term aesthetics along the hotel’s high-traffic riverfront access.

Cracked concrete column at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing damage from vehicular impact prior to restoration work.

Project Background

Although the concrete damage resulted from vehicular impact, the Sheraton Grand’s Riverwalk-level location along the Chicago River introduced additional challenges for repair design. Constant exposure to moisture, freeze–thaw cycles, and de-icing materials required careful consideration when selecting materials and determining proper methods for preparing the newly exposed concrete and reinforcing steel to ensure long-term durability in a riverfront environment.

To address these issues, RestoreWorks partnered with American Structurepoint for structural oversight, Henry Frerk Sons for concrete material matching, and Sheet Metal Services Inc for custom sheet metal components that protected adjacent surfaces and improved drainage integration.

Concrete restoration inspection at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing cracked façade, corroded rebar, and temporary shoring during early stages of repair.

Scope of Work

Work took place in multiple phases between August and October, ensuring steady progress while maintaining safe pedestrian circulation along the Riverwalk.

Concrete Restoration

Removed damaged concrete to expose bare steel reinforcement and installed additional rebar to replace and buttress existing steel.

Cleaned, treated, and replaced reinforcement where required.

Formed and poured new concrete using a blend supplied by Henry Frerk Sons to achieve color and aggregate compatibility with the existing structure.

Conducted surface refinishing and sandblasting to unify texture and appearance.

RestoreWorks technician performing controlled demolition to expose rebar during concrete restoration at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

Bollard Replacement

Removed damaged bollards and their surrounding pads.

Formed and poured new reinforced concrete bases.

Installed new bollards, ensuring proper alignment, anchorage, and core filling, then finished each to match existing conditions with paint or original protective sleeve.

Completed final sealing and finishing for long-term durability in a riverfront environment.

Before and after comparison of bollard replacement at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing restored concrete base and newly installed yellow bollard.

Sheet Metal Integration

Coordinated with SMS to provide new sheet metal sheathing and protective edge elements designed to channel water away from the restored concrete surfaces.

Sheet metal installation around access doorway and column base at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing integrated finish with restored concrete and bollard.

Challenges and Solutions

Environmental Exposure

While the primary damage was caused by vehicular impact, riverfront temperature swings presented challenges during the restoration process. RestoreWorks used insulated formwork and Henry Frerk Sons’ recommended mixing ratios to maintain bond integrity and aggregate consistency throughout the pour.

Aesthetic Continuity

Because the Riverwalk-level façade is guest-visible, standard patch mortars would not have met appearance standards. RestoreWorks worked with Henry Frerk Sons to achieve a precise match in color, tone, and aggregate.

Concrete color and texture matching at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing test panels compared to the existing façade to ensure a seamless visual blend.

Coordination in an Active Public Setting

Work sequencing and barricading were carefully managed to maintain safe pedestrian and vehicular flow without interrupting hotel or riverfront activity.

Results

By October, the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk restoration was completed successfully. The repaired concrete areas now provide enhanced corrosion resistance and a uniform aesthetic consistent with the hotel’s prominent location along the Chicago River. New bollards and protective sheet metal elements strengthen safety and durability while maintaining a polished appearance in a high-visibility setting.

This project highlights RestoreWorks’ expertise in combining structural precision, materials coordination, and aesthetic sensitivity within one of Chicago’s most demanding environmental contexts.

“RestoreWorks did an outstanding job restoring our building facade. Their team demonstrated excellent time management and clear communication throughout the project. The on-site crew was professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

-Josh Lozada, Director of Engineering, Sheraton Grand Chicago

Completed concrete restoration at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk showing seamless color and texture match to the existing façade.

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