Leonard Masonry Receives Project of the Year Award
Leonard Masonry Receives Project of the Year Award
Masonry contractor receives national recognition for historic landscape
ST. LOUIS, July 5, 2005 - Leonard Masonry Inc. has been recognized for the best landscaping project in Masonry Construction magazine's Project of the Year Awards. The St. Louis-based masonry contractor was honored for its landscape design in the renovation of the historic Emerson Grand Basin.
"It has been an exciting experience to bring the grand basin back to its former glory," said Jeff Leonard, president. "Seeing our stone and workmanship recognized on a national level is rewarding. Our architects and stone masons have such an appreciation for fine stone and masonry work and it's gratifying to receive recognition for all their hard work."
In the July 2005 issue of Masonry Construction magazine, Leonard Masonry was awarded the magazine's most prestigious award, Project of the Year, for landscaping. The Emerson Grand Basin was part of the 1904 World's Fair held at Forest Park in St. Louis. During the past nine years, the park has undergone a massive transformation to renovate many of the attractions that made the 1904 St. Louis fair so memorable and unique.
Leonard Masonry was instrumental in the recreation of the historic Emerson Grand Basin, providing both excellent craftsmanship and cost-saving recommendations. Transforming the original water basin of crumbling limestone walls and stagnant water, Leonard Masonry installed new bridges, steps, benches and skirting at boat landings, utilizing granite imported from Brazil and more than 9,000 pieces of cast stone. The final design is a breathtaking recreation of the grand basin with pedestrian promenades, balcony overlooks, bridges, boat landings, landscaping and irrigation.
Founded in 1959, Leonard Masonry Inc. has grown to be the largest masonry contractor in St. Louis and is recognized for its fine craftsmanship and on-time work delivery within budget. This family-owned business has been the masonry contractor on many of St. Louis' landmark structures, including the Missouri temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Anheuser-Busch Hall at Washington University School of Law, the Charles F. Kinght Center, Shaw Park Plaza and the Thomas F. Eagleton Federal Courthouse.