Our Blog | GBA Architectural Products + Services

Glass block has moved far beyond basement windows. Thanks to their versatility and light-enhancing properties, glass bricks are now a top choice among architects. They brighten up spaces while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic - making them ideal for homes, offices, schools, and more.

A History of Glass Block Architecture

When was glass block popular? Glass blocks gained widespread popularity during the early to mid-20th century for their unique combination of functionality and design appeal. But what are glass blocks? They are durable, light-transmitting building elements used in windows, walls, and even walkable surfaces. Over time, glass has been adapted for countless applications, from biotechnology to decorative accents. At GBA, we offer the largest supply of glass blocks in the United States, providing architects and designers with innovative solutions, including custom glass walls and walkable glass systems, to bring a "wow" factor to any project.   

The Finishing Touch on Your Glass Block Project

Glass block options provide endless versatility for creating everything from partition walls to pet kennels and even accent features like desks. With a wide range of patterns, shapes, and finishes available, architects and designers can bring virtually any vision to life. For projects like a glass block accent wall, the finishing touches are just as important. Glass block caps offer a stylish solution, ensuring that the ends of glass block walls are as visually appealing as the design itself, adding both function and beauty to your space.  

Restored Glass Block Windows Youngstown, Ohio

Some of our favorite ventures are renovating projects in our local area. Being a company located in the Cleveland/Akron area, we were thrilled to be chosen for an assignment in Youngstown, Ohio, only 65 miles from our office.

Zero Lot Line Construction

What is a Zero Lot Line House?

A zero lot line house is a type of residential property where the home is built directly on or very close to the edge of the property line. Different types of zero lot line properties include patio homes, garden homes, townhomes, and row houses. These homes can be either attached or detached and may feature one or two side yards, though most often they include just one.

Historic Glass Block Warehouse Renovations: Hecht Warehouse

Architect: Antunovich Associates

General Contractor: McCullough Construction, LLC.

Owner: Douglas Development

Hecht Warehouse: The History

Hecht’s was one of Washington D.C.’s oldest and most successful large-scale, locally-owned retail store.  The department store itself was located on the corner of 7^th Street in an “American Gothic” building.  Hecht’s offered an assortment of goods for their customers.  In 1934, Hecht’s department store installed the first escalators in Washington.  As Hecht’s department store continued to grow, taking over most of the block, they sought to move most of its service operations to a new Art Deco building in 1937.  This new building became the central warehouse for Hecht’s department stores.  

GBA Architectural Products + Services had a very exciting 2019 as we worked on many exciting architectural projects, bringing new life to buildings with the addition of glass block and structural glass. We had the privilege of working with some of the best architects and contractors in the world. All of the projects we participated in were exciting and complex challenges that left us with a rewarding feeling when completed.

Installing Glass Block in Fort Worth's Pioneer Tower

Pioneer Tower

We see a wide variety of glass block projects. We’ll often have projects where we install sets of glass block windows that not only enhance the fashion of a building, but also the safety. We renovate sidewalk vault panels to install LED lighting underneath, providing pedestrians with a beautiful lighting to walk on. We’ve made structures almost entirely built from 4x8x3 Seves Vistabrik, enclosed with glass roofing. There are many different ways to use glass to enhance your facilities.

Our latest project is another example. In their ambitious efforts to transform their structure from great to gorgeous, we’re renovating the Pioneer Tower in Fort Worth, Texas, adding 15 flights of exterior glass block to be used on all four sides of the historic building. Behind it will be LED lighting, ready to light the Texas sky.

They do it big in Texas.

Incorporating Glass Block Outdoors

Can you use glass blocks for outdoor use? Absolutely. They offer a stylish and functional choice for exterior projects, such as adding a glass block column light to enhance both look and ambiance. As the warmer seasons roll in, more homeowners and builders are focused on creating outdoor spaces that allow natural light to shine through while still offering privacy. Whether it's a small balcony or a large backyard, adding glass blocks can elevate the space while also encouraging time spent outdoors, supporting well-being and health benefits.

Bringing Beauty and Durability to Transportation Stations

A study from the American Public Transportation Association reports that public transportation ridership has increased by 30% in recent years. Whether on a train, bus or ferry, Americans took 2.5 billion trips on public transportation in the third quarter of 2018 alone.