Your Business Deserves to Look as Professional as You Are

In the heart of Annapolis, Maryland, DN Contracting was entrusted with the restoration of one of the most recognized historic buildings at the United States Naval Academy—Dahlgren Hall. This project was more than just paint and prep work; it was about preserving a landmark that carries both historic and architectural importance.

The scope of the work was substantial. Over the course of three months, our team restored more than thirty original wood windows and repainted the massive exterior curtain wall that defines the building’s appearance. The job required extensive surface preparation, detailed repair, and precise finishing to maintain Dahlgren Hall’s historic integrity.

The contract value reflected both the magnitude of the building and the complexity of the services required. Every step, from the wood restoration to the application of high-performance coatings, was performed with careful attention to detail and adherence to historic preservation standards. By the end, DN Contracting had completed a project that not only met but exceeded expectations.

Dahlgren Hall, with its towering curtain wall and expansive woodwork, had weathered decades of exposure to the elements. The windows showed signs of deterioration—peeling paint, weakened wood, and joints that had lost their seal. Left untreated, these issues could have led to water infiltration, wood rot, and costly structural damage.

The Naval Academy sought a contractor who could do more than simply apply fresh paint. They needed a company with the technical expertise to restore historic woodwork, ensure long-term protection, and deliver a finish that honored the building’s legacy. This was not just a maintenance project; it was a stewardship project—caring for a piece of history.

The journey began with a clear vision: protect and restore Dahlgren Hall so it could continue serving future generations. DN Contracting was chosen for our proven track record with complex, large-scale projects and our ability to combine modern painting technologies with traditional craftsmanship. Throughout the process, our team provided updates, explained restoration techniques, and ensured that expectations aligned with results.

• Wood Preparation & Restoration: Over thirty original wood windows restored through detailed scraping, sanding, repair, and refinishing.

• Joint Sealing: Curtain wall joints and window seams re-caulked to ensure a watertight and weather-resistant barrier.

• Exterior Painting: Full repainting of the massive curtain wall with professional-grade coatings to provide protection and long-lasting durability.

• Detail Preservation: Finishing work performed with precision to maintain the building’s historic character while strengthening its exterior against future wear.

• Sherwin Williams – Pro Industrial Waterbased Alkyd Urethane: Applied as the primary coating across the curtain wall and window systems to deliver a strong, smooth finish with excellent resistance to weather and wear.

• Commercial-Grade Wood Repair Systems: Used during window restoration to repair damaged sections and extend the lifespan of original wood components.

• High-Performance Joint Sealant: Applied to all re-caulked joints for superior flexibility and protection against moisture intrusion.

• Surface Prep Solutions – Sanding and cleaning products: Utilized to prepare wood and metal surfaces for optimal paint adhesion.

The final result was nothing short of remarkable. Dahlgren Hall’s exterior was revitalized with a crisp, durable finish that highlighted the architectural details of the curtain wall while preserving the authenticity of the historic windows. Each window was carefully restored, resealed, and refinished, leaving the building both visually striking and structurally protected.

The Naval Academy project team expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome. They were impressed by the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication our crew demonstrated throughout the project. For DN Contracting, the most rewarding part was knowing that our work helped preserve a building of cultural and historical significance for decades to come.

At the close of the project, Dahlgren Hall stood renewed—its historic features intact, its exterior protected, and its role as an iconic part of the Naval Academy campus secured. For DN Contracting, this was more than a contract; it was a privilege to contribute to the preservation of an American landmark.