Western Specialty Contractors restores DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace mural in Duluth

By AI, Created 10:40 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis branch repaired the historic DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace Building in Duluth and repainted its iconic north-wall mural ahead of the property’s 40th anniversary. The project finished on time and within budget after masonry repairs, façade coating work and a mural recreation effort.

Why it matters: - The DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace mural is a visible part of one of Canal Park’s best-known historic buildings. - The restoration helped slow brick deterioration on the north façade while preserving a recognizable landmark for residents and visitors. - The work supported a busy tourist district that continued hosting events during construction.

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’s Canal Park neighborhood. - The eight-story building was constructed in 1909 for the DeWitt-Seitz Company, a furniture wholesaler and mattress manufacturer. - The building became the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace in May 1985 as a mixed-use commercial property with shops and restaurants on the lower floors and office space above. - Western finished the project on time in September 2025 and within budget.

The details: - The company was hired for masonry repairs tied to the marketplace’s 40th anniversary in May 2025. - The scope included brick replacement, repointing, soffit repainting and application of a specialized masonry coating on the previously painted north façade. - Re-coating the north façade required replication of the mural, which was last repainted in 2006. - Western contracted with a professional artist in July 2025 to recreate the mural. - The mural includes the words “DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace” in yellow lettering and a diamond-shaped frame around a pair of Lady Slippers, Minnesota’s state flower. - The wall behind the mural was painted forest green. - Crews accessed the brick wall from the rooftop of an adjacent building, from a boom lift on the street and with suspended scaffolding from the roof. - LHB served as the engineer/architect for the project. - Oneida Commercial Real Estate manages the property for the building’s owner.

Between the lines: - The project blended preservation and maintenance, not just cosmetic work. - Matching the mural mattered because the façade coating work affected a painted surface tied to the building’s identity. - Completing repairs in a crowded entertainment and retail area likely required tight coordination, even though the project details do not describe disruptions.

What’s next: - The restored mural now carries the building into its next phase of use after the 40th-anniversary milestone. - The façade repairs and protective coating are intended to help reduce further brick deterioration on the north side. - The building’s ownership and management team can now rely on a refreshed landmark in a high-traffic part of Canal Park.