Chase Tower Phoenix
40-Story Downtown Phoenix Landmark Exterior Restoration
Historic downtown Phoenix icon receives comprehensive exterior restoration featuring heat-resistant coating systems, art deco preservation, and accelerated timeline completion during extreme desert conditions.
Project Overview
Chase Tower stands as one of downtown Phoenix's most recognizable landmarks. Originally completed in 1972, this 40-story art deco-influenced tower required comprehensive exterior restoration to preserve its historic character while addressing decades of UV degradation and thermal cycling in Arizona's extreme desert climate.
Our team was selected for this prestigious project based on our extensive experience with high-rise buildings and proven expertise working in Phoenix's challenging environmental conditions. The project demanded specialized heat-resistant coatings, historic preservation compliance, and meticulous coordination with downtown business operations.
Working primarily during early morning hours (4 AM - 11 AM) to avoid extreme heat, our specialized crews applied museum-grade protective coatings to preserve original art deco architectural elements while delivering modern performance standards. The project was completed 5 days ahead of schedule with zero tenant complaints and Phoenix Historic Preservation Office commendation—a testament to our operational excellence and commitment to historic preservation.
The restored Chase Tower now features superior UV protection, enhanced energy efficiency with 35% cooling cost reduction, and preserved historic character that will endure for decades. The heat-resistant coating systems are specifically engineered for Arizona's extreme conditions, providing exceptional durability against thermal cycling and intense sunlight exposure.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenges
- • Extreme Phoenix summer heat with surface temperatures exceeding 150°F requiring specialized application windows
- • High-traffic downtown pedestrian corridors and business district operations during work hours
- • Historic building designation requiring preservation board approvals and period-appropriate materials
- • Complex architectural features including decorative metalwork and original art deco elements
- • Aggressive 5-month timeline to complete before peak summer monsoon season
- • Coordination with 40+ commercial tenants including Chase Bank flagship branch
- • Limited street-level staging area in dense urban environment with restricted access
- • UV degradation and thermal cycling challenges unique to Arizona desert climate
Solutions
- ✓ Strategic early morning work schedule (4 AM - 11 AM) during cooler temperatures for optimal coating application
- ✓ Comprehensive pedestrian protection systems with covered walkways and clear wayfinding signage
- ✓ Historic preservation coatings approved by Phoenix Historic Preservation Office with matching original color palette
- ✓ Specialized restoration techniques for art deco features using museum-grade protective coatings
- ✓ Accelerated multi-crew deployment with simultaneous façade operations and weekend work schedule
- ✓ Detailed tenant communication plan with 48-hour advance notice and dedicated liaison for business continuity
- ✓ Vertical material delivery system using building freight elevators and rooftop staging areas
- ✓ High-performance heat-resistant coatings with superior UV resistance and thermal reflectivity for Arizona conditions
Technical Specifications
Phased Execution Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation & Historic Documentation
6 weeksSite Setup, Preservation Approvals & South/East Façades (Floors 1-15)
- ▸ Historic preservation documentation and color matching with Phoenix Historic Preservation Office
- ▸ Swing stage installation with rooftop rigging and safety certification
- ▸ Early morning work schedule implementation (4 AM - 11 AM) to avoid extreme heat
- ▸ Lower-level façade restoration with art deco element protection
- ▸ Pedestrian protection systems installed along Washington Street corridor
Phase 2: Mid-Tower Multi-Façade Operations
8 weeksSimultaneous East/West Façades & Complex Features (Floors 16-30)
- ▸ Dual-crew deployment on opposite façades for accelerated timeline
- ▸ Specialized restoration of decorative metalwork and original architectural details
- ▸ Heat monitoring systems ensuring optimal application temperatures
- ▸ Weekend work schedule for tenant-sensitive areas
- ▸ Zero tenant complaints with proactive communication program
Phase 3: Upper Tower & Crown Restoration
7 weeksNorth/West Façades, Roof Systems & Architectural Crown (Floors 31-40)
- ▸ High-altitude specialized crews for crown and rooftop architectural elements
- ▸ Reflective roof coating application for energy efficiency improvements
- ▸ Final historic preservation inspection and approval
- ▸ Complete building envelope waterproofing and joint sealant replacement
- ▸ Project completed 5 days ahead of schedule before monsoon season
Downtown Business District Coordination
Operating in Phoenix's premier business district required sophisticated coordination with commercial tenants, pedestrian traffic, and historic preservation authorities while maintaining zero business disruption.
Business District Operations
Coordinated all work around downtown business hours with early morning schedule (4 AM - 11 AM). Maintained Chase Bank flagship branch operations and professional office access throughout project with zero business interruptions.
Pedestrian Traffic Management
Implemented comprehensive pedestrian protection along Washington Street and Central Avenue with covered walkways, clear signage, and dedicated safety personnel. Maintained sidewalk access and ADA compliance throughout construction.
Historic Preservation Compliance
Worked closely with Phoenix Historic Preservation Office ensuring period-appropriate materials and techniques. Preserved original art deco architectural elements with museum-grade protective coatings and documented restoration process.
Tenant Communication Program
Established dedicated tenant liaison providing 48-hour advance notice of work activities. Daily progress reports to building management and immediate response to tenant concerns resulted in zero complaints throughout 5-month project.
Extreme Heat Management Protocol
Phoenix's extreme summer temperatures (110°F+ air temperature, 150°F+ surface temperature) required specialized protocols, heat-resistant materials, and strategic scheduling to ensure coating performance and crew safety.
Extreme Temperature Protocol
Surface temperature monitoring every 30 minutes with automatic work stoppage above 120°F. Early morning schedule (4 AM - 11 AM) provided optimal 70-95°F application window during Phoenix summer months.
Specialized Coating Systems
Heat-resistant formulations specifically engineered for Arizona desert conditions. Fast-cure technology allowing application in brief morning windows with full adhesion despite daytime temperature extremes.
Crew Safety Measures
Mandatory hydration protocols, cooling stations, and heat stress monitoring for all crew members. Shift rotation schedule preventing heat exhaustion with medical support on standby during summer months.
Material Storage & Handling
Climate-controlled material storage maintaining coating integrity. Temperature-monitored transport and application equipment ensuring material performance specifications throughout extreme desert conditions.
"Moorhouse Coating exceeded all expectations on our Chase Tower restoration. Managing a historic downtown Phoenix landmark during summer months required exceptional expertise, and they delivered flawlessly. Their early morning work schedule minimized heat challenges while respecting business operations. The historic preservation work on our art deco features is museum-quality, and we received Phoenix Historic Preservation Office commendation for the restoration. Zero tenant complaints, ahead of schedule completion, and the building looks spectacular. The energy savings from their reflective coatings are already exceeding projections. We've engaged them for our entire commercial portfolio."
Results & Impact Metrics
Project Impact
The Chase Tower restoration delivered exceptional results that exceeded client expectations while preserving the historic character of this downtown Phoenix landmark. The comprehensive transformation enhanced the building's market position, improved energy efficiency, and secured historic preservation compliance for decades to come.
Historic Preservation Excellence
- ✓ Phoenix Historic Preservation Office commendation
- ✓ Museum-grade art deco element restoration
- ✓ Period-appropriate color palette matching
- ✓ Complete historic documentation for preservation records
Performance & Sustainability
- ✓ 35% reduction in building cooling costs
- ✓ 15-year Arizona desert climate warranty
- ✓ Superior UV protection and thermal reflectivity
- ✓ Completed 5 days ahead of aggressive timeline
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