The Will Rogers Memorial Center is a 120-acre entertainment, sports, and livestock complex situated in Fort Worth, Texas. The tower situated at the front of the entrance of the facility was built in 1936 and stands over 200 feet tall. Pioneer Tower was a well-known beacon in the Fort Worth skyline for years. About 40 years ago, the tower went dark because of deterioration of the backlit glass block that created the luminous appearance of the structure. Aluminum grates were placed over the glass block glazing. In 2019, with funding in place, the city decided to restore the tower to its original condition.
Our goal was to restore the glass block so the tower could return to being a beacon for the city. The partnership between the owner of the building, the General Contractor, Muckleroy and Falls, and the architectural firm, Elements of Architecture, is what brought this project to life.
Elements of Architecture, a woman-owned business, was chosen to design and oversee the restoration project. The firm was a recipient of the Fort Worth's Chamber of Commerce Award for Small Business of the Year in 2019. Muckleroy and Falls, a well-regarded General Contractor, was awarded the bid to lead the project. Over the last three years, they have been named Fort Worth's best company to work for. The two firms reached out to GBA Architectural Products + Services because of our history as the leading firm in glass block restoration projects. After conversations and site meetings, we outlined options for design, dimension, specification review, and execution.
To ensure the restoration project's success, meticulous planning and attention to detail were paramount. With four vertical glass block walls spanning an impressive 14 floors, from the 13th to the 27th, the project required a staggering number of glass blocks. Over 6,210 pieces of the exquisite 6" x 6" x 4" ARGUS® glass block were carefully selected for their exceptional quality and aesthetics. These blocks, with their sleek design and superior craftsmanship, were the perfect choice to bring back the tower's luminous charm.
To ensure a seamless integration of the glass blocks, tieback options were extensively reviewed and determined. The team carefully considered various factors, such as structural stability and visual appeal, to select the most appropriate tieback solution. This decision was crucial in guaranteeing the long-lasting durability and safety of the restored tower.
By meticulously considering every aspect of the restoration process, from the selection of the ARGUS® glass blocks to the determination of tieback options and sealant, the team ensured that the tower's original splendor would be revived. The combination of expertise, craftsmanship, and attention to detail brought this ambitious project to life, transforming the tower into a mesmerizing beacon once again.
"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
Midwest (877) 280-7700
East Coast (212) 255-5787
West Coast (213) 634-7050
All contents © Medina Glass Block, Inc