THE PROJECT OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE
Based in Dallas and family-owned, Tradition Senior Living (TSL) has developed and manages four senior living campuses in Texas. The family-owned company prides itself for bringing a new vision to senior living based on superlative service and care. Promising elegant living with extra attention to design, décor, and amenities, TSL has become a favorite for those seeking independent living, assisted living or memory care.
Traditional masonry has been an important element of TSL’s campuses because its beauty aligns with the TSL brand. The initial plan included significant use of limestone trim and brick.As the TSL team reviewed the renderings they felt the building was impressive but wanted to improve the look of the lower five levels. This created a challenge in ensuring the quality and visual appeal of the building without exceeding budget.
With the help of TSL’s architect for the project, Houston-based Jackson & Ryan, a solution was identified. In order to create the exquisite building exterior that would meet the expectations of the residents – a traditional-looking building exhibiting luxury and elegance – and adhere to the project budget, large format masonry (LFM) veneer, in place of more expensive limestone, was recommended.
LFM veneer units are concrete masonry units produced by Best Block in Alleyton, Tx. The oversized units, produced with natural aggregates, offer a size, scale, and beauty not traditionally possible in a CMU – at a much better price than competing materials.
This would be the first time that TSL used LFM veneer units, and there was some hesitancy. “We were skeptical. A previous concrete product did not meet our visual standards and I was concerned that the LFM would not replicate the look of limestone,” commented Jonathan Perlman, Jr. vice president of TSL. “I am very pleased, not only with the appearance of our new campus, but also with how LFM helped us stay on budget.”
All in all, this stunning building, with its precise design requirements, required over 100,000 units of concrete masonry in 132 different shapes, sizes and chamfered units. This challenging job could not be fulfilled by just any producer of CMUs, it required the expertise and innovation of Best Block.
LFM – MAXIMIZE IMPACT. MINIMIZE COST.
Today, The Tradition – Woodway provides elegant housing that truly feels like a home to its residents. TSL has received positive feedback from residents and others for the positive impact this luxury high rise has made on the community. Recently, TSL broke ground on their fifth campus, The Tradition – Clear Fork in Ft. Worth and LFM has already been incorporated into the architectural plans.
THE MASONRY CONTRACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Of course, a stunning building like The Tradition – Woodway doesn’t come to be without the talents of craftsmen taking pride in their work. This realization, combined with TSL’s focus on design and quality, led them to the team at WW Bartlett, a Houston-based masonry contractor.
Delivering the exceptional result required was made more challenging due to a tight schedule. Thankfully, masonry holds advantage over many other building materials when it comes to deadlines. “Tradition was not a difficult job, but the schedule made it challenging, and we will never sacrifice quality just to hit a deadline,” stated Bo Bartlett, owner of WW Bartlett. “If traditional limestone anchor had been used it would have been much more complicated. LFM allowed us to use a typical veneer anchor and be much more productive.”
At peak, more than 50 members of the Bartlett team were working together completing one floor every six days. “Our team was laser focused on the work at hand and Best Block helped us every step of the way. With more than 130 shapes and sizes, organization and coordination was critical – and Best Block came through,” continued Bartlett. “From how the blocks were palleted to precise delivery times and delivery to the correct floor, Best Block made it look easy.”
Surface Preparation
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.