Colorado Hardscapes Crafts Commemorative Creations

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.The origins of the Adams County Veterans Memorial project in Brighton, CO, date back to 2018 when Adams County officials saw the need for a large-scale space to honor our military veterans.  The Memorial is a culmination of efforts from DHM Design, ECI Site Construction, Veterans Advisory Committee, County Commissioners, local veterans, and Bomanite licensee Colorado Hardscapes.  Multiple monuments including the re-creation of the USS Colorado battleship commemorate each branch of the military, the extraordinary sacrifices made by veterans, and the responsibility we have as citizens to uphold the principles and freedoms upon which this great nation was built.  Almost every monument at this Veterans Memorial encompasses Bomanite decorative concrete.

Monumental Mission in Memorial Making

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.At Riverdale Regional Park, the Adams County Veterans Memorial stands as an embodiment of reverence, national identity, and honor for those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.  A project with such significance increased the pressure for Colorado Hardscapes to create something that lives up to the legacy of those it represents in addition to challenges of scheduling and new building strategies.  Colorado Hardscapes’ collaboration with all stakeholders resulted in a truly remarkable accomplishment.  Their team actively participated in the ideation, design, and production to help select the best color, texture, and finish for each element.  Meeting on the job site, at the Design Center, and even at past projects was a way for Colorado Hardscapes to ensure their clients would be getting exactly what they wanted.  It is very evident to all four parties that the open channels of communication played a vital role in the success and satisfactory completion of the project.

Decorative Designs and Detailed Work

Colorado Hardscapes scope of work at the Adams County Veterans Memorial includes:

  • 19,694 SF of integrally colored Bomanite Sandscape Texture in 5 different colors.
  • 2,212 SF of Bomanite Sandscape Refined double-mirror glass for extra sparkle.
  • 6,538 SF of Bomanite Imprinted Systems concrete in a Bomanite Running Bond Belgian Block texture for the street paving, 6″ Bomanite Boardwalk texture for the boat’s boardwalk, and a Bomanite Sandstone Texture for the surrounding steps.
  • 695 SF map of Adams County which includes integral color, Bomanite MicroTop XT, embedded stainless steel logo and text and embedded tiles.
  • Custom formed Sandscape medicine wheel.
  • Sandblasted and painted text on precast acid-etched panels.
  • A variety of Bomanite Sandscape and broom finish curbs and edgers.
  • Underground abutment walls.
  • Board-formed walls.
  • Uncolored, smooth troweled seat walls.
  • 11” thick structural concrete on the ship’s deck.
  • Custom-formed turret bases with embeds for the ship’s gun barrels.
  • Structural concrete for smokestacks and i-beams.

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.

Timely Teamwork for Timeless Tribute

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.Colorado Hardscapes recognized the pressing challenge of timing from the outset.  With the goal of opening in time for Memorial Day, they knew that meeting the deadline would require a keen focus on time allocation.  As a specialty subcontractor, they expected to work alongside other contractors simultaneously.  They held daily meetings to synchronize with specific timelines of the masonry workers, steel workers, and underground utility workers, reviewing plans, providing updates, and ensuring that everyone was on the same page.  This was essential to mitigate confusion or any potential bottlenecks that could stall the project’s progress.

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.Colorado Hardscapes also worked closely with ECI to offer their knowledge and expertise and help wherever they could, even if it was beyond their scope of work since the complexities of the project included a lot of one-offs for every trade involved.  Ian Mestdagh, Director of Pre-Construction, ECI Site Construction said, “We have had the opportunity to build some pretty special places over the years but this one stands alone. The project team and our subcontractor partners have gone above and beyond to deliver a world-class project that honors those that have sacrificed everything.  Throughout this process, Colorado Hardscapes has led the charge in working through the details of this amazing project and really revolutionizing what is possible with concrete.”

Innovative Story Wall

In addition to the large scope of specialty finishes on this project Colorado Hardscapes also had the chance to create the Story Wall.  Project manager, Nick Federico, exhibited outstanding innovation and dedication in his quest to create a wall that would truly capture and immortalize the veterans it honors, conveying the compelling story of deployment to reunion.  This wall required a considerable amount of lumber on-site in addition to three pumps to assist their crew during the pour.  The form liner system enabled Colorado Hardscapes to create ribs that were millimeters wide and varying in depth, resulting in a 3D illusion of grayscale photographs, letters home, and telegrams.  Although there have been numerous pre-cast applications of this form liner system, this Story Wall is the first cast-in-place installation of which we are aware.  It stands as a poignant tribute to the individual narratives of veterans, and the creative concrete craftsmen at Colorado Hardscapes are deeply proud of the innovation that went into its creation.

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO. ` Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.

 

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.The long lead time associated with acquiring specialty materials posed another hurdle.  To maintain progress throughout the duration of construction, Colorado Hardscapes strategically changed the sequence of their work, as needed, while waiting for the form liners and for other trades to complete their work.  Colorado Hardscapes precise schedule for forming and pours ensured that ECI was never left waiting on them.  Despite the challenges inherent in the project’s unique design, they were able to meet all milestone deadlines through strategic tailgating of all possible areas and the implementation of pumping techniques where necessary.  Colorado Hardscapes successfully managed to stay within the given deadline.

Award Winning Decorative Concrete

Colorado Hardscapes installed Bomanite decorative concrete at Adams County Veterans Memorial in Brighton, CO.Colorado Hardscapes was awarded the treasured 2023 Bomanite Multiple Systems – GRAND Award.  Colorado Hardscapes concrete artisans’ dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration led to the creation of a truly unique and moving space that encompasses a range of decorative concrete products.  From the realistic look of the USS Colorado battleship to the intricate design of the Story Wall, every element of this Memorial reflects our unwavering commitment to remembering those who served our country.  Adams County Veterans Memorial represents the very best of craftsmanship, creativity, and community and will remain a lasting tribute that will continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.