Best National Stone Project
Local 9, Wisconsin District Council
First English Lutheran Church
Appleton, Wisconsin

Signatory Contractor: Oscar J. Boldt Construction

The main challenge to complete the 8,604 square foot addition to the First English Lutheran Church was maintaining its historic character dating back to the early 1900’s and ensuring that the addition complimented its breathtaking stone masonry exterior. Local 9 WI members selected to build the $2.8 million addition assisted in the development of the intricate, detailed drawings of the new stonework. They worked diligently to blend the new masonry with the original structure, adding dental work not included in the original design to accent some of the stone. This project is proof-positive that when craftworkers and architects work hand-in-hand, everyone wins.

Photo courtesy of Michael Steinberg for Steinberg Photography

Special Recognition for Artistry in Stone
Local 36, Northern Ohio Administrative District Council
InterContinental Hotel
Cleveland, Ohio

Signatory Contractor: Acme Arsena & ArsenaStone

Although renovation studies of Cleveland’s old InterContinental Hotel concluded it couldn’t be saved, some thought better of the landmark. Local 36 OH members played a vital role in the $3.7 million restoration, which relied on a variety of masonry materials imported from China, Brazil, and Indonesia. The hotel’s focal point in the main foyer is an inlayed mural comprised of 3,600 pieces depicting an ancient map of the world. Forty-three different granites were used to create these extraordinary images. The InterContinental now serves as a gallery, where the exceptional craftsmanship of Local 36 members will be viewed and admired for years to come.

Photo courtesy of William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc

Best Region 1 Stone Project
Local 3 Massachusetts
Church of the Transfiguration
Orleans, Massachusetts

Signatory Contractor: Pizzotti Brothers Inc.

The Church of the Transfiguration’s new $10 million basilica was a two-phase project that included the construction of a cloister, prioress residence, and clergy offices. With an early Christian basilica design in mind, Local 3 MA members installed concrete and CMU structural block walls with a 4-inch thick stone veneer. A clean and modern accentuation of the classic basilica form, a central nave with side aisles and an apse, was achieved through detailed stone cladding. The dramatic interior includes solid honed limestone columns and relief-sculpted capitals supporting arches, which run down the full length of the space.

Photo courtesy of Audie Di Lucente for Visual Artistry by Audie

Best Region 3 Stone Project
Local 9 Pennsylvania
Vilar Technology Center
Washington, Pennsylvania

Signatory Contractor: Harris Masonry

The 74,000 square foot, $3.5 million, Vilar Technology Center represents the main cornerstone of a new quadrangle being developed for Washington & Jefferson College. Local 9 PA members demonstrated their skills by laying Weymouth Granite Ashlar in a random ashlar pattern with interrupted coursing, and hand trimming the ends and corners of the stones to match the granite facing. The Variegated Indiana Limestone used for trim required a skilled hand and attention to detail. Innovative patterns and dimensions carefully crafted by members of Local 9 create the overall effect of a truly stunning stone structure.

Photo courtesy of William Webb for Infinity Studio

Best Region 5 Stone Project
Local 8, Northern Ohio Administrative District Council
The D.D. & Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center
Youngstown, Ohio

Signatory Contractor: Lencyk Masonry Co.

A “timeless” aesthetic was the design objective for the D.D. & Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center in Youngstown, Ohio. The 25,000 square foot Center is composed entirely of Sawed Briar Hill Sandstone, brought in from a local quarry. The Center’s random ashlar pattern is composed of various sized stones, all of which have been “rock faced” by hand with a hammer and chisel. Cut limestone sills and caps complement the sandstone of the $6.75 million Center, whose timelessness has been achieved due to the rare craftsmanship and talents of members of Local 8 with help from Local 43 OH.

Photo courtesy of Steven Linder for Twin City Photography

Best Region 7 Stone Project
Local 1 Minnesota
Redstone Grill
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Signatory Contractor: Axel H. Ohman, Inc.

Approximately 118 tons of stone, each covering about 40 square feet, were used in building the 8,000 square foot Redstone Grill restaurant. The stone veneer exterior is composed of seven different types of stone, ranging from 4 to 8 inches in thickness. Its massive exterior walls are topped with four-inch thick precast concrete caps that rests on frost footings and a slab-on-grade foundation. An arched dual opening invites guests into the dining room, which features a beautiful real stone masonry fireplace. Working during the cold winter months made this $354,000 project more challenging, but no less successful for Local 1 MN members.

Best Region 8 Stone Project
Local 4 California
California Adventure Theme Park
Anaheim, California

Signatory Contractor: JA Lynch Masonry, Inc.

Members of Local 4 CA recently completed the $1.4 billion California Adventure Theme Park located near Anaheim’s Disneyland. The work for this new concept park was performed under the supervision and direction of the Imagineers, Disney’s Developmental and Architectural team. A wide variety of stone work was installed on the Grizzly Peak Area, including three types of flagstone, two types of cultured stone, and two types of river rock laid as paving, curbing, and battered walls and columns. The craft skills and expertise of Local 4 members enhanced a magical recreation area that will be enjoyed by generations of families from around the world.

Photo courtesy of Joel Rempel for Joel Ross Photography

Best Region Region 9 Stone Project
Local 1 Manitoba
Manitoba Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Signatory Contractor: Alpha Masonry LTD

The restoration of the Manitoba Legislative Building located in the provincial capital of Winnipeg presented many unique challenges to the skilled craftworkers of Local 1 MB including the height of the building and the painstaking numbering of the stones during their removal and replacement. The building’s main attraction, the famous “Golden Boy” statue, is the symbol of youth and prosperity. The Golden Boy’s sheaf of grain represents the fruits of labor, and his torch, a call to the province’s youth to pursue a prosperous future. Thanks to the efforts of Local 1 members, the building will continue to be a touchstone for all to pursue their dreams.

Photo courtesy of Blake Dennison for Tricon Masonry Limited

Best Region 10 Stone Project
Local 7 Canada
La Cite Collegiale, Vocational and Technical High School
Ottawa, Ontario

Signatory Contractor: Tricon Masonry Limited

Set in the middle of a college campus, La Cite Collegiale is a vocational excellence center used to provide training for masonry and other building trades. The use of Grey Tyndall limestone on the 38,000 square foot center inspires a sense of strength and permanence, and the natural light color of the stone expresses the architect’s creation, crisply and clearly. Members of Local 7 CN were able to illustrate the role that masonry plays in gracefully adding value and stability to the community. Their workmanship coupled with the center’s extraordinary design are certain to provide a renewed interest in the masonry trades among Ottawa residents and visitors alike.