Travelers Tower
Cast iron and copper cornice restoration of Hartford's iconic 34-story neoclassical tower — including lead paint removal, fluoropolymer coating application, decorative element restoration, and joint sealant installation.
The 34-story Travelers Tower, designed by architect Donn Barber and completed in 1919, is built of pink granite, cast iron, and copper. Cenaxo's crew was the first to work on the deteriorating cast iron and copper since the building's completion over 90 years ago.
CLIENT
Travelers Insurance
STRUCTURE TYPE
34-Story Neoclassical Tower
LOCATION
Hartford, CT
Services Provided on This Project
Lead Paint Removal
High Performance Coating
Cast Iron & Copper Surfaces
Decorative Architectural Elements
Joint Sealants
Temporary Window Protection
Restoring an Iconic Skyline
The neoclassical Travelers Tower in Hartford, Connecticut, was designed by architect Donn Barber — the same architect responsible for the Connecticut State Library, Connecticut Supreme Court building, and the Hartford Times building. The 34-story tower, completed in 1919, was built of pink granite, cast iron, and copper.
Cenaxo was selected in April 2012 to restore the cast iron and copper cornice of the Travelers building. Our experienced craftsmen were the first to work on the deteriorating cast iron and copper since the building's completion over 90 years ago.
During the restoration process, our crew removed the original lead-based coatings using chemical and media cleaning methods. After properly preparing the surfaces, the team applied a three-coat fluoropolymer paint system, selected for its extreme durability. The results were a dramatic transformation of the decorative cast iron and copper elements, restoring them to their original grandeur.
Project Scope
- Lead-based coating removal via chemical and media cleaning
- Three-coat fluoropolymer paint system application
- Cast iron cornice restoration and painting
- Copper cornice and decorative element restoration
- Joint sealant installation throughout
- Temporary window protection during operations
- Decorative architectural element detailing
Occupied Building Coordination
The Travelers Tower remained fully operational throughout the entire restoration. When concerns arose regarding the impact of the painting process on building occupants, Cenaxo implemented a special shift system for the coating application to minimize disruption to Travelers' employees — adjusting to meet the customer's needs while ensuring the highest quality workmanship.
Project Gallery
Progress Photos
Before
A cast iron rosette medallion before restoration — over 90 years of lead-based paint buildup, cracking, and deterioration had obscured the fine detail of the original neoclassical ornament.
After
The same rosette after Cenaxo's restoration — lead paint removed, surfaces properly prepared, and a three-coat fluoropolymer system applied, revealing the crisp detail of the original 1919 casting.
Let’s Protect What Matters Most
If you’re responsible for a historic building, choosing the right restoration partner matters. Cenaxo provides expert guidance from evaluation through execution — with clarity, care, and confidence.
