Leonard Masonry Recognized with International Excellence in Masonry Awards
ST. LOUIS, March 7, 2002 - Leonard Masonry, Inc. received two Honorable Mentions at the Masonry Contractors Association of America (MCAA) International Excellence in Masonry Awards. The awards were announced at the 2002 Masonry Showcase in Phoenix last month.
Sponsored by the MCAA, the International Excellence in Masonry Awards recognize mason contractors, architects and building owners for outstanding accomplishments in masonry design and construction. Leonard Masonry was honored in the residential category for a private residence in St. Louis and in the commercial/ industrial category for Southwest Bank in Manchester, Mo.
The residential project for which Leonard Masonry was recognized is a 6,800-square-foot Prairie-style residence featuring a stone veneer exterior with cut limestone trim, Antique French limestone walkways and an EIFS (exterior insulated finished system) that covers portions of the exterior. Other masonry elements include a five-car detached building with matching exteriors, two large fireplace chimneys constructed of cut stone and five interior hearths. The interior focal point is an ivory-colored, cut Texas, fossilized limestone hearth, mantle, surround and breast, adjoined by display cases and several columns of the same rough cut stone used on the exterior. Mitchell Wall & Associates Architects, Inc. was the architect.
The 74,000-square-foot Mississippi Valley Bancshares/Southwest Bank building was designed to project a strong “symbolic” financial institution image at each approach along the newly divided Manchester Road in West St. Louis County. The main entry features a domed rotunda and a sky lit rotunda graces the north entry. An ornate cast stone clock and gold-leafed symbolic eagle top the building. Exterior materials consist of traditionally detailed polished and flamed etched Carnelian granite piers and bay windows with cast stone used for the distinctive cornice, horizontal-based accent and for trim around first floor windows. The interior consists of a two-story granite enclosed atrium lobby on the south and a four-level skylight enclosed atrium on the north. A symbolic flying eagle made of bronze and stainless steel is water-jet cut into the south granite lobby floor, consisting of granite--flamed etched, water etched and polished. (This element is thought to be the first use of water-etched granite finish in St. Louis) Chiodini Associates was the architect.
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. Ranked as the sixth largest masonry contractor in the United States by Engineering News-Record (ENR), Leonard Masonry is a four-generation, family-owned business. It 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 the Washington University School of Law, Forsyth Centre and Shaw Park Plaza.