Photo courtesy of Michael Marxer

Best Residential Stone Project
Local 1 Missouri
Private Residence
Ladue, Missouri

Signatory Contractor: Spencer Brickwork, Inc.

When construction began on the private, Baverian-style residence in Ladue, Missouri, the skill and craftsmanship of Local 1 Missouri members were put to the test. The Chateau-like structure, included $450,000 in masonry work alone.

Guided by a photograph of a German castle, the architect searched for a suitable stone to match the old world look. Sample panels built with stone from a Wisconsin quarry convinced the craftworkers and architect that they had found a worthy match. The 9,000 square-foot, two-story residence required 238 tons of Mayfair Blend – a dimensional Wisconsin limestone varying in color from grey to buff. Additional cut stone was installed for detail work.

The size and the density of the stone created several challenges along the way. Three 20-ton stone splitters had to be used on the angling of the bays. A diamond blade saw was used to shape the radii of the stones, followed by fine hand-chieseled detail. On occasion, cut limestone pieces weighing over 800 pounds required special machinery to position them correctly.

Local 1 Missouri members, working for Spencer Brickwork, overcame these obstacles, proving yet again that no job is too challenging for BAC craftworkers.

Best Dimensional Stone Project
Local 13 Nevada
Regional Justice Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

Signatory Contractor: AF Construction Co., Inc.

Located in downtown Las Vegas, Clark County’s new Regional Justice Center is open for business thanks to the efforts of Local 13 Nevada members, working for AF Construction Company. With the Las Vegas valley now ranked as one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the U.S., this 710,000 square-foot facility is designed to expand with the region’s anticipated growth. Approximately 190 Local 13 members were on the job, installing flagstone mechanically fastened with stainless steel clips, relief angels, silicone, and concrete expansion belts.

The 18-story complex consolidates the District, Justice, Municipal, and Supreme Appellate Courts, along with a number of court-related public service agencies. Newly installed “smart courthouse” technology such as state-of-art evidence storage and video arraignments with links to the County Detention Center will further enhance the courts’ efficiency and coordination.

Inside the complex, quotes by Socrates, Lincoln, and other historical figures carved into the walls by Local 13 members remind visitors of the legal principles of a free society.

Best Rubble Stone Project
Local 1 Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Indian Federated College
Regina, Saskatchewan

Signatory Contractor: Gracom Masonry/BFI Construction

The main campus of First Nations University of Canada, formerly known as Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, was designed as a post-secondary First Nations and Aboriginal educational facility. Departing from the typical straight-line structure form, Douglas J. Cardinal Architects used a curvilinear shape to give the building a more natural appearance. The ribbons of color match those of the school’s current logo, and also reflect the four directions and the cycle of life.

Using a cast-in-place structural system, Local 1 members utilized 60,000 square feet of coursed random length split faced and sawn faced dimensional sill and soffit Tyndall stone and block backup walls. Members installed a torch grade air vapor barrier, cavity wall insulation, and over 42,000 concrete blocks. All in all, $2.2 million of masonry work went into this project.

The project was also the site of a pre-apprenticeship training program for individuals interested in seeing if they have what it takes to have a career in the masonry trades. The program, organized as a joint venture by Gracom Masonry and BFI Construction, offered potential members an opportunity to become familiar with the masonry trades and BAC – important steps in preparing to enter the trade.