Some buildings have stories baked right into the concrete.
This barn-style event space in Coldwater Creek near Fredericktown was one of them. While the structure itself had been thoughtfully updated with a modern metal frame, metal siding, and full insulation, the concrete slab underneath told a much older story.
Over 100 years old, the slab had seen generations of use. Time had left its mark. Large cracks, surface erosion, and uneven wear that no amount of sweeping could hide.
And yet, this space has become something special.
Inside, the owners had created a place for family gatherings, hosting friends, celebrations, and even a little friendly competition with a bar and a golf simulator rounding out the fun.
The only thing holding it back?
The floor.
The Challenge: A Historic Slab in a Modern Space
The contrast was impossible to ignore.
On one hand:
- A bright, insulated barn built for entertaining
- Thoughtful finishes
- A layout designed for people to gather and linger
On the other:
- A concrete floor that had lived through a century of freeze-thaw cycles
- Cracks wide enough to have their own ZIP codes
- A surface worn smooth in some places and rough in others
The owners loved the space, but they wanted it to feel complete!
And preferably without anyone tripping over a piece of history.
The Solution: Coldwater Creek — Color, Character, and New Life
To honor the character of the space while bringing it fully into the present, we installed our Coldwater Creek full-chip system.
It was the perfect choice.
Coldwater Creek features bright, dynamic color variation with blues, grays, and lighter tones that instantly lift a room. In this barn, the effect was immediate.
- The floor reflected light instead of absorbing it
- The blue tones tied in beautifully with the blue walls
- The entire space felt cleaner, brighter, and more alive
Before coating, we:
- Repaired and stabilized the large cracks
- Prepped the historic slab for proper adhesion
- Installed our industrial-grade polyurea system designed to flex and last
In short, we gave a 100-year-old slab a second life.
The Result: A Space That Stole the Show
Once the coating cured, the transformation was undeniable.
What had once felt tired now felt energized.
What once looked worn now looked intentional.
“It doesn’t even feel like the same building,” the owner said.
And the real test came soon after.
At the family Christmas gathering, guests walked in… and stopped.
The space that everyone remembered suddenly felt like something new! A polished, welcoming, and impressive without losing its warmth.
The bar got more use.
The golf simulator saw extra rounds.
And the floor? It quietly did its job, holding everything together.
Old barn: respected.
New floor: admired.
Family reactions: unanimous approval.
Why Event Spaces and Barn Conversions Choose Garage Force
At Garage Force of Southwest St. Louis Metro, we specialize in transforming challenging concrete. Especially in unique spaces like barns, workshops, and event venues.
Our polyurea coating systems offer:
✅ Strength and flexibility for old slabs
✅ Bright, dynamic color blends like Coldwater Creek
✅ Easy cleanup for high-traffic gatherings
✅ One-day installation in most cases
🛡️ Lifetime Residential Warranty
Whether your concrete is brand new, or over a century old, we can help you turn it into a surface you’re proud to share.
📍 Serving Fredericktown, Farmington, Hillsboro, and surrounding communities
📞 Call or text for a free on-site consultation
Garage Force: Where History Meets a Fresh Start.