Warren's Clark Street parking garage is getting a facelift.
Parts of the garage have been closed off recently while crushed-glass blasting is performed.
According to City of Warren Public Works Director Mike Holtz, the blasting process is just one step toward finishing up work begun at the garage last year.
Holtz said sealcoating at the garage was finished in 2011 and Pittsburgh-based Nathan Contracting, which was hired by the city to perform work at the site, will be moving on to painting next.
"The bulk of the project was to put down that new coating on the floor to stop the leaks," Holtz noted. "This is the back-end of the project."
Pittsburgh-based Linton Enterprises is handling the blasting work for Nathan. According to Linton's Tony Gyke, the company has visited Warren three times and workers were on their fifth day of work on Monday. Gyke said he estimates the blasting phase of the project will be completed soon.
"Probably tomorrow we should be done," Gyke said.
The glass-blasting process is making way for a fresh coat of paint.
According to company literature provided by Gyke, the glass blasting formula consists of silica-free, recycled, crushed glass. The formula is used for removal of paint, excess mortar and stains. The process is used on metal, brick, block, stone, wood, concrete and asphalt. The glass can be recovered following the process and used several times.
According to Holtz, painting is the next step. Once blasting is completed, Nathan is contracted to paint the deteriorating areas of the blue metal decking.
Holtz recommends people stay aware of the project while work is being done.
"Drive slowly," Holtz said. "Be more aware that there's people working in the garage."
As for a timeline, Holtz said he foresees work finishing up before the end of summer.
"I think they'll wrap up by the end of July," Holtz said. "It'll be a better product when it's done."