In the Spring of 2022, Carolina Bomanite Corporation was called in to review a site with collaborating Landscape Architect Ron Cutlip at Statesville Christian School located in Statesville, NC. The original scope was to evaluate a walkway and possible options for improving an outside seating area where students routinely would eat lunch. The space also served as the ticket office and commissary for sporting events held on an adjoining sports field. Given the multipurpose nature of the space, it was essential to find a solution that balanced aesthetics with durability. The existing layout had areas of uneven surfaces and outdated materials that posed both functional and visual challenges. Carolina Bomanite’s expertise was sought to ensure the improvements would enhance the overall experience for students and visitors alike.
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Pathway Perfection and Plaque Placement
After several donations and designs, work started in January of 2023 with the first phase of sidewalk reconstruction. This pathway, originally an Eagle Scout project, was beginning to fail due to not having a proper footing. Several of the bricks were also becoming dislodged creating a trip hazard. Considering the tight budget, it was decided to reuse and reconstruct the pathway and CMU block wall components, dig and install a proper footer, then pour an imprinted textured sidewalk. Three future donor plaque walls were also incorporated in this first phase along with wall lighting.
Promenade Planning and Plaza Perfection
Once work started, additional funding became available which allowed an expansion of the original plans to include a Lions Plaza promenade walkway, covered picnic area and composite deck gathering platforms. Once the scope expanded Carolina Bomanite Corporation began to look at how the space needed to be improved in terms of elevation. What originally was a bare, sloping expanse needed to be brought to near level even though they were dealing with seven-plus feet of elevation drop. To correct, a concrete support wall was constructed in the shape of the new Lions Plaza. During this phase a gas fire pit was installed at the request of the school using blue glass. Drainage lines were rerouted, French drains installed, as well as low voltage wiring added for lighting. Due to a few large shade trees in the area, washed stone was used to backfill without disturbing the subsoil and shallow roots. Having a quarry a half mile from the school proved valuable and cost efficient.
Tiered Transitions and Textured Treatments
Two levels were designed in order to transition from the picnic zone down to the main walkway. Synthetic turf was used to handle the steeper transitions between these two areas which also warmed up the space by breaking up the large expanses of concrete. The upper levels were kept consistent to allow easy travel to the restrooms located at the side of the building. After the main promenade walkway was installed with Bomanite Slate Texture, work began on the spirit rock entrance by removing the existing asphalt. Bomanite Slate Texture imprinted concrete was used here as well due to the entire space to receive pigmented Bomanite Micro-Top XT. After several samples and testing, a red was chosen that once sealed provided a near match to the school’s colors.
School Spirit and Stunning Surfaces
Ben Hummel, the Head of School, requested that some of the school’s core values and logo be added to the main promenade. After waiting for summer sports to slow down, the installation of Bomanite Micro-Top XT began in August. Due to the higher daytime temperatures, Carolina Bomanite Corporation switched their detail crew to nights to combat the high temps. A four-man crew worked for several weeks from midnight to 8-9am each day. The white banding was applied first with the red infill last. Both colors were applied by roller using two coats. Once complete, the entire space received two coats of Bomanite Sealer. After a short cure, the graphics were applied, and additional Bomanite Micro-Top XT was used. The school’s logo turned out to be a challenge, but with seasoned detail veteran Gary Barnhill, it was completed in two days. The installation of Bomanite Micro-Top XT and graphics took approx. two months including cure times.
Bomanite Micro-Top XT: A Mighty Makeover for Any Surface
When it comes to revitalizing worn-out surfaces without the hassle of complete removal, Bomanite Micro-Top XT is the ultimate game-changer. This high-performance, polymer-modified topping, part of the Bomanite Toppings Systems family of products, provides a seamless, durable, and customizable finish that adheres to almost any substrate—think concrete, wood, metal, and even tile. Unlike traditional resurfacing methods, Bomanite Micro-Top XT eliminates costly tear-outs and allows for intricate colors, textures, and patterns, transforming dull spaces into stunning works of art. Whether it’s an indoor retail space craving a sleek, modern look or an outdoor plaza needing enhanced durability, this thin but mighty overlay offers superior abrasion resistance, weather tolerance, and long-lasting beauty. Best of all, its quick application time minimizes downtime, making it the perfect solution for high-traffic environments that demand both aesthetics and performance.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Carolina Bomanite Corporation’s dedication to craftsmanship earned them the 2023 Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project – Silver Award, a testament to their expertise in blending aesthetics with structural integrity. Tackling complex design elements, they meticulously planned sawcut control joints for both function and visual appeal, adapted to existing site conditions, and protected a beloved shade tree with innovative drainage solutions. Beneath the surface, multiple underground utilities remained seamlessly concealed. The result? A stunning plaza where vibrant colors, inspiring words, and thoughtful design converge—guiding visitors to a cozy fire pit, a shaded picnic area, and inviting seating for students to connect, study, and relax. Through expert execution, Carolina Bomanite Corporation has crafted a lasting legacy for future generations.