Stowers Institute Front Entry Showcases Bomanite Sandscape Texture

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, who sought to create a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where scientists could freely share their ideas and create a synergy that would spur great discoveries.

Jim trained as a physician and Virginia had a career as a registered nurse, giving the couple a profound understanding of the medical field and the role that medical research plays in the treatment and prevention of diseases.  They both had personal experiences with cancer as well, which solidified their decision to dedicate their personal fortune toward creating one of the world’s most influential centers for foundational research.  Jim Stowers said “Virginia and I are both cancer survivors and we know firsthand the fear and loneliness that come with the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease.  So, it was natural to think about how we might offer help and hope to others facing cancer and other diseases.”

Durability and Beauty by Design

The Stowers Institute research campus officially opened in November 2000 after five years of construction.  Almost 21 years later, the facility grounds needed a few upgrades, one of which was replacing the entry walkways.  Musselman and Hall Contractors worked with local landscape architecture firm Confluence to develop the site improvement plan.  Utilizing samples and mock-up design, Musselman and Hall presented the Stowers Institute with a plan to renovate the entry using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems.  Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems provide innovative systems, longer-lasting products, and a variety of mix designs that combine needed durability with desired beauty.

Bomanite Sandscape Texture was the product of choice to create the decorative concrete paving surface at the Stowers Institute.   Sandscape Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is desired.  The finished product resembles sand blasted concrete and is used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, creating consistent texture and durability.

The Stowers Institute needed to restore the paving under the covered front walkway and the design provided by Musselman and Hall included demolition of the old surface and replacement of the entry sidewalks with a two-toned, integrally colored Sandscape Texture paving pattern.  This 7,400 square foot installation was broken into two phases to accommodate operations at the Stowers Institute.

Additionally, Musselman and Hall commissioned a very detailed sandblast stencil through Floormaps to represent the logo of the Stowers Institute.  The sandblasted logo was an extremely important detail and had to reflect the Stowers logo accurately.  Musselman and Hall provided a mock-up design, and the client was blown away by the detail and accuracy.  This successful execution resulted in a long-lasting tribute to the couple that started it all – Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Lasting Legacies

With more than a century of construction heritage dating back to the late 1800’s, Musselman & Hall Contractors is known as one of the mid-west’s longest-standing general contractors.  They have been building the surrounding communities over the last century, while simultaneously building and establishing long-lasting relationships for the past 100 years.

The Stowers founded the Stowers Institute with a vision of providing cutting edge research to help stamp out diseases and their 2-billion-dollar investment in the Institute has allowed it to continue its mission to aid humanity.  Even as the second of the founders passed away recently, their legacy stands firm and their desire and mission to give people hope for a better life is being carried forward.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Musselman and Hall Contractors values long-term customer relationships, creating true connections with their customers and clients.  This attention to detail and personalization of design at the Stowers Institute earned them the 2021 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project.  Their skillful execution and the stunning sandscape finish complements the surrounding gardens and will provide a long-lasting concrete paving surface as well as an enduring tribute to Jim and Virginia Stowers.

Colonial Theater Keene Revamped with Bomanite Modena TG Epoxy Terrazzo

Colonial Theater Keene, located in Keene, NH, is like a Grand Old Lady edging closer and closer to her 100^th Birthday in 2024.  Last year she received much more than just a cosmetic facelift, it was more like a rebirth and not just a renovation using decorative concrete, without losing the integrity of her Historic look and charm.  To not violate any of the city of Keene’s Historic District standards, the building’s exterior was untouched.  The interior of the theatre has been made much more spacious.  Executive Director of the Colonial Theater Alec Doyle said, “What used to be a very narrow or what I call ‘bowling alley’ kind of lobby is now completely opened up to the north and south of the building. We’ve increased the size of the lobby by about four times.”  In conjunction with the project designer Weller & Michal Architects, the main contractor DEW Construction selected Bomanite licensee Premier Concrete Construction to complete and realize the vision of the renovation.  Dew Construction was familiar with the expertise and craftsmanship of Premier Concrete Construction’s projects using Bomanite Toppings Systems and Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems.

The lobby was not only enlarged, but it is also now handicapped accessible, while retaining the style and color scheme of the original theater.  The increased lobby space allows room for a new concessions bar that has been added to the inside of the theatre.  Doyle said, “We consciously retrieved and protected a number of the interesting historical architectural pieces.”  Some of those pieces include the original ticketing cages, which are now on display on the concessions side of the lobby.  Patrons feel like it is a perfect place for a selfie.  Like many of the “accent pieces” saved for display, the old ticketing cages reflect the original gold and beige colors of the theater and include original muse motifs.

Supply Chain Bites Construction Schedule

When sourcing the materials from the original specifications, Premier Concrete Construction was confronted with major supply chain issues and was told that nothing would be available until five months after the job was scheduled to begin.  Instead, Premier Concrete Construction created and resubmitted samples, which were approved.  They ran into the same supply chain issues with the precast cove suppliers, so they opted to set up their own shop and precast over 300LF of cove base and the full set of stairs and risers per specification.  They once again demonstrated why they are the concrete company of choice in demanding decorative concrete situations and scenarios.  They pride themselves in their craftsmanship, creativity, and competent ability to solve problems.

Premier Concrete Construction chose Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems using Bomanite Modena TG Epoxy Terrazzo with two colors and a diamond strip pattern as per the specifications.   Bomanite Modena TG is renowned for its characteristics because it is highly durable including the color, has low lifecycle cost, has excellent abrasion resistance, has a wide variety and size of aggregates, offers a range of aggregate exposure, has a wide color selection to choose from, is integrally colored, and has a highly decorative appearance.  It is an engineered polymer-modified cementitious interior floor topping that is bonded to the surface of cured concrete and can transform ordinary concrete into beautiful decorative flooring.  Once cured, Bomanite Modena TG is ground to expose the desired amounts of aggregate, then polished to the required gloss level and treated with a Bomanite stain resist.  Unlike comparable terrazzo flooring, Bomanite Modena TG is designed specifically to be polished with a fine aggregate gradation similar to that of concrete.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Premier Concrete Construction earned the 2021 Best Bomanite Custom Polishing Systems Project Gold Award for this inspirational transformation of a very old landmark.  Concrete is what you make of it, and the same can be said of community.  The grand reopening of the theater was held on March 29, 2022.  The Colonial Theater Keene posted a Facebook page with pictures complete with balloons.  The comments included: “Wow”, “Gorgeous”, and “Looks awesome”.  On the day before the opening, they posted a wide-angle camera shot and said, “The lobby is OPEN! Free popcorn. Delicious ice cream from Stonewall Farm. Live music. And chances to win tickets, or even a $500 Colonial gift card!”  The excitement and enthusiasm from the surrounding community has been palpable and they are not disappointed.  The new decorative concrete flooring, the stairs, and the cove base throughout, will enhance the beauty, the enjoyment, and the longevity of this historic theatre well into her next 100 years.