The total renovation of the Lorain County Transportation Center in Ohio (U.S.A.) recently returned the historic site to its neoclassical grandeur. PENETRON crystalline waterproofing technology helped secure the over 80-year-old concrete structure.
Originally constructed in 1926 as the New York Central Train Station in Elyria, Ohio, the building served as a hub for travelers from New York, Chicago, or California stopping in Northern Ohio. The recent grand opening of the Lorain County Transportation Center showed off the building in its original splendor. It now serves as a mass transportation hub for Lorain County.
The extensive renovation included exterior renovations, new roofing and façade repairs in an initial project phase. The second phase addressed the building interior, which included waterproofing the foundation and restoring the beautiful octagonal rotunda and interior walls. The final phases added park and ride capabilities and restoration of the original platforms for the passenger railways.
Stopping Large and Leaky Cracks
Penetron worked with Schirmer Construction to waterproof the over 80-year old concrete foundation. The foundation suffered from water leakage in many locations, including several full height cracks that left large areas of the basement floor continually flooded.
“The unique PENETRON crystalline waterproofing solution helped Schirmer Construction to completely waterproof the foundation from the negative side,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of The PENETRON Group. “PENETRON technology develops crystals in the pores and capillaries of the concrete matrix, which significantly lowers concrete permeability in the foundation.”
The System Works
The PENETRON system helped completely seal the leaking wall cracks with a combination of PENECRETE MORTAR, PENEPLUG and PENETRON. This waterproofing solution saved Lorain County tens of thousands of dollars in excavation and site work costs that conventional exterior repair would require. The PENETRON treatment also allowed the waterproofing work to be performed under the active railroad tracks, where an exterior waterproofing approach was possible.
“The revitalized transportation facility now houses a bus terminal, park and ride facilities, a railroad / transportation museum, passenger areas and a passenger rail platform,” adds Chen. “PENETRON is proud to help bring the transportation hub of Elyria, Ohio, back to its former grandeur.”
The PENETRON system was used to repair many areas of the existing foundation including full height wall cracks. The leaking cracks were completely sealed using a combination of PENECRETE MORTAR, PENEPLUG and PENETRON.
The octagonal rotunda was restored to its original beauty symbolizing the positive future of the renovated transportation center.
The Lorain County Transportation Center stands at the prominent corner in town and reminds passers-by of the historic importance of the original New York Central Train Station.
The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook.com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
