On the corner of 14th and Court Street in downtown Denver, a new hotel took form. Capturing the attention of people in the urban city as they walk by, the structure looked to mimic the Colorado aspen trees in the area. Its unique look is just part of the story—behind the scenes, it’s also a model of smart engineering and long-term durability due to the customer's decision to use hot-dip galvanizing instead of other available options.

Though Denver is known for its beautiful scenic views, it also endures harsh climate changes throughout the year. The Beck Group, the general contractor for the project, knew that a coating solution was required to be able to handle these conditions with ease, or they would be paying for costly repairs and regular maintenance. The building’s façade uses custom glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels that have steel frames cast into them. The steel frames underwent galvanizing to ensure quality and longevity of the project decades down the road.

After considering other options, hot-dip galvanizing proved to be the best choice because of its sustainability, coating durability and corrosion performance over time. For the project owners, this was a no-brainer as they wanted a low-maintenance solution that wouldn’t need constant repairs.

From start to finish, the galvanizer chosen for the project worked directly with the fabricator to ensure high quality and on-time delivery. The process wasn’t without its challenges, however. Many of the steel frames were large and had complex shapes, requiring the material to be progressive dipped. This ensured that every surface and crevice was fully coated for protection. Experience from the galvanizer allowed them to share helpful tips such as attaching flex anchors—the parts that secure the steel within the concrete—after galvanizing, which made handling and transporting the frames much easier. This also prevented any unwanted scratching or damage to the steel members while transporting the material. The galvanizer was also able to meet strict deadlines from the customer with expedited services that other galvanizers could not provide.

The support from the galvanizer continued at each step in the process, making sure that the owner of the project, Urban Villages, would be satisfied with the product. “This was our first experience with hot-dip galvanizing, and the galvanizer took the guesswork out of working with a new system, ensuring we achieved the durability and quality we required,” said the customer.

Now, as the structure sits on the Denver skyline, it’s set up for success. The steel frames in the GFRC panels will hold up for nearly 100 years down the road because of hot-dip galvanizing, staying protected against years of weathering. Serving many generations down the road, this project is a great example of both practical benefits and thoughtful design that the public can enjoy for years to come.