Government Facility Case Study

Phoenix City Hall Restoration

Historic 1960s government building restoration preserving mid-century modern architecture while meeting contemporary safety and accessibility standards across 180,000 square feet.

Phoenix, Arizona
14 Week Timeline
Historic Preservation

Project Overview

Phoenix City Hall, a 1962 mid-century modern landmark, required a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural heritage while meeting modern building codes and accessibility standards. The challenge: complete the work without interrupting essential city services.

Our team executed a carefully phased renovation working exclusively during evenings and weekends. We matched historic colors using modern, high-performance coatings, upgraded safety systems, and implemented ADA-compliant wayfinding throughout the building. The project served 15 city departments and welcomed thousands of daily visitors without disruption.

180,000 sq ft
area
14 weeks
timeline
38 professionals
crew
$1.5 million
budget
Built 1962
year
Phoenix City Hall before historic restoration
Phoenix City Hall after preservation and modernization

Challenges & Solutions

Government building renovations require balancing historic preservation with modern compliance and public safety.

Key Challenges

  • Historic mid-century modern architecture requiring preservation
  • Continuous city operations with high public traffic
  • ADA compliance and modern safety code requirements
  • Weekend and evening work schedules only
  • Coordination with 15+ city departments

Our Solutions

  • After-hours and weekend execution to avoid disruption
  • Historic color matching with modern performance coatings
  • ADA-compliant safety markings and wayfinding
  • Detailed phasing plan coordinated with city departments
  • Low-VOC products for occupied building compliance

Historic Preservation & Modernization

Balancing architectural heritage with contemporary performance and safety standards.

Color Matching

  • • Spectral analysis of original colors
  • • Period-accurate palette recreation
  • • Modern UV-resistant formulations
  • • Archival documentation

Safety Compliance

  • • ADA-compliant wayfinding
  • • High-contrast safety markings
  • • Fire-rated coating systems
  • • Emergency egress lighting

Minimal Disruption

  • • Weekend and evening work only
  • • Odor-free low-VOC products
  • • Quiet application methods
  • • Phased area closures

Project Results

Successful preservation with enhanced accessibility and zero service disruption.

100%
Historic Preservation
0
Service Interruptions
15
Departments Served
ADA
Fully Compliant

Client Testimonial

"Moorhouse Coating demonstrated exceptional professionalism in handling this sensitive historic restoration. Their respect for our building's architectural heritage, combined with their expertise in modern compliance, resulted in a perfect balance. The project was completed without any disruption to city services, which was critical for our operations."
PCH
City of Phoenix Facilities Management
Phoenix City Hall, Downtown Phoenix

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about government facility and historic building restoration

How do you work around continuous government operations?

We execute government facility projects exclusively during off-hours (evenings and weekends) to avoid disrupting essential city services. Our teams are experienced in working quietly and efficiently with minimal visibility to the public. The Phoenix City Hall project was completed entirely during non-business hours.

How do you match historic colors accurately?

We use spectral analysis equipment to precisely match original colors, then recreate period-accurate palettes using modern, high-performance formulations. This ensures the building maintains its historic character while gaining improved durability, UV resistance, and longevity that original coatings couldn't provide.

What ADA compliance improvements are typical in historic renovations?

ADA compliance often requires high-contrast wayfinding systems, tactile markings for visually impaired visitors, and clearly marked emergency exits. We integrate these modern safety requirements respectfully within historic architecture, ensuring accessibility without compromising the building's character.

How do you coordinate with multiple city departments?

Large government facilities serve many departments with different needs and schedules. Our project managers facilitate daily coordination meetings, maintain detailed phasing plans, provide advance notice of work areas, and adapt to changing department priorities to ensure zero service disruption.

What security clearances are required for government work?

All team members undergo thorough background checks before accessing government facilities. We maintain strict security protocols, escort procedures, and restricted area protocols. Our crews are experienced in working within secure environments and understand confidentiality requirements.

Planning a Government Facility Project?

We specialize in government and historic building renovations with minimal disruption. Let's discuss your preservation and modernization needs.