Providing an educational and interactive learning space for the children of Prince George County was one of the top priorities for the Laurel Library Expansion. The expansion includes Children’s Room which houses multiple interactive areas that all encompass the adored dinosaur theme. Completing this project was an undertaking that would not have been possible without the other companies included.
NARDI Construction, Inc, founded in 1978 and was chosen to lead this project. Their expertise has landed them two American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Tilt-Up Certifications, which only 107 professionals worldwide hold.
Grimm + Parker Architects was the lead architect on the library expansion. Their goal for any project is make their communities wonderful places to live, learn and play. Grimm + Parker focuses on the design of schools, libraries, mix-use developments, multi-family residential spaces, and a wide array of cultural and civic buildings. Their expertise in the design of libraries made them the perfect architect to bring the vision to life.
This vision included “a special “Kid’s Only” cave entrance, glowing dinosaur footprints that lead visitors through the area, a volcano seating area, a life-size replica of a Nanotyrannus skeleton embedded under a glass floor, a story time room housing a baby Saber-toothed Tiger lair (with paw prints running up the wall and across the ceiling), and a study area encased in a Brontosaurus ribcage.” Providing and installing the glass floor for the replica of the dinosaur was GBAs pride and joy on the project.
To complete the delivery and install of the glass floor, GBA was the preferred contractor. We used our GlassWalk™ flooring system to create the interactive experience desired. With a replica of the Nanotyrannus skeleton below, GBA created a glass floor to protect the exhibit but allow a clear view for all to see. The system utilized a clear anodized aluminum support frame providing a seamless marriage of the glass and surrounding floor finishes. The framing members and the glass had to be premanufactured to the exact radius and dimensions. The glass panels had a transparent perforation frit pattern, which allows viewers to see through completely to admire the skeleton while still maintaining the anti-slip properties of regular flooring.
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
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