Western Specialty Contractors restores Duluth’s DeWitt-Seitz mural

Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis branch repaired and recoated the historic DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace Building in Duluth, then replicated its iconic north-wall mural after the coating work required repainting the façade. The project was completed on time and within budget in September 2025 ahead of the marketplace’s 40th anniversary.

Why it matters: - The work preserved a visible landmark in Duluth’s Canal Park neighborhood. - The restoration protected the brick façade of the 1909 building while keeping the marketplace mural intact for visitors and tenants. - The project supported a property that has been a mixed-use destination since 1985.

What happened: - Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis branch restored the brick wall and painted mural on the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace Building at 394 S Lake Ave. in Duluth, Minnesota. - The eight-story commercial building was built in 1909 for the DeWitt-Seitz Company, a furniture wholesaler and mattress manufacturer. - The building became the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace in May 1985. - Western was hired ahead of the marketplace’s 40th anniversary in May 2025. - The project included brick replacement, repointing, soffit repainting and a specialized masonry coating on the previously painted north façade. - Re-coating the north façade required the mural to be replicated.

The details: - Western contracted with a professional artist in July 2025 to recreate the mural. - The mural includes the words DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace in yellow lettering. - The design also includes a diamond-shaped frame around a pair of lady slippers, Minnesota’s state flower. - The entire north wall behind the mural was painted forest green. - Crews used the rooftop of an adjacent building, a boom lift from the street and suspended scaffolding from the roof to complete the work. - LHB served as the engineer and architect on the project. - Oneida Commercial Real Estate manages the property for the building’s owner.

Between the lines: - The mural repainting was not just cosmetic work. The masonry coating changed the conditions on the wall and made a full mural refresh necessary. - Working in a busy tourist district added logistics pressure, especially with events happening during construction. - Completing the job without overruns suggests the restoration plan and access strategy were tightly managed.

What's next: - The restored façade and mural now carry the marketplace into its next phase as a preserved commercial landmark. - Western completed the project on time and within budget in September 2025, and the owner approved the result. - The renewed mural should remain part of the building’s identity as the Canal Park area continues to draw visitors.