• New Steel Roof Helps Put Milwaukee Road Depot Back On Track

    Vacant since the 1970’s, the depot recently opened after a major restoration effort.
    Feb. 26, 2002
    2 min read
    One of the last long-span, truss-roofed train sheds in the United States is now back on track, thanks in part to a new roof from Petersen Aluminum Corporation.  The Milwaukee Road Depot and Train Shed, vacant since the 1970’s, recently opened after a major effort to restore its contribution to the community and preserve its historic significance.  The development includes hotels, restaurants, a skating rink, public use areas and parking.The standing seam roof on the train shed utilizes 66,000 square feet of Peterson’s Snap-Clad™ 24 gauge steel panels finished in a custom Diplomat Gray Kynar 500® paint.  In addition, the project utilized 22,000 square feet of Pac-Clad™ 24 gauge steel material for miscellaneous flashing details.The panels were factory formed in lengths up to 54 feet and shipped from the Petersen plant in Chicago to the job site.  This represents one of the longest panel length projects ever shipped over the road by Petersen Aluminum Corporation.  The roofing contractor was Specialty Systems, Inc., Burnsville, MN.  According to Terry Ryan, vice president of sales and marketing for Specialty Systems, “The panel lengths created an interesting challenge for our field crew who had to work in an extremely congested downtown environment to hoist the panels to the roof.”Even greater challenges occurred much earlier, however.  Given the prominence and historic nature of the Milwaukee Road Depot project, there were numerous influences impacting Shea Architects, Minneapolis, and the general contractor, Bor-Son Construction, Minneapolis.  When a high quality, yet turn-of-the-century look for the roof was required, Bor-Son Construction contacted Specialty Systems.According to Ryan, “Working with Petersen, we engineered the metal roof to provide the aesthetic appeal that was necessary while delivering the value that was required.  The material is just incredible.” Snap-Clad™ Panels, produced in continuous lengths, are corrective leveled to provide superior flatness.  They are available in 26 standard colors, five metallics and unlimited custom colors.For more information on the complete line of Petersen metal roofing products, call 800-PAC-CLAD or visit www.pac-clad.com.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Sign up for our Newsletter
    Get the latest news and updates.

    Latest from Case Studies

    Courtesy of Kris Decker, Firewater Photography
    When United Community Bank was looking to build a new headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, project developer Steve Navarro of The Furman Co. was familiar with the property and knew it would be able to support the bank’s vision. Near trails, parks, neighborhoods, and the interstate, it’s in an accessible location.
    This Greenville headquarters leans into its location through amenities and events that create a place where people are proud to work.
    May 14, 2025
    Courtesy of Raj Das Photography
    Business owners have light-filled common areas to complement their offices.
    The growth of coworking and microbusinesses requires facilities that can adapt to users’ needs. Kismet Commerce pairs a shared fulfillment center with office units for a solution...
    April 25, 2025

    Sponsored