The Stowers Institute for Medical Research was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, who sought to create a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where scientists could freely share their ideas and create a synergy that would spur great discoveries.
Jim trained as a physician and Virginia had a career as a registered nurse, giving the couple a profound understanding of the medical field and the role that medical research plays in the treatment and prevention of diseases. They both had personal experiences with cancer as well, which solidified their decision to dedicate their personal fortune toward creating one of the world’s most influential centers for foundational research. Jim Stowers said “Virginia and I are both cancer survivors and we know firsthand the fear and loneliness that come with the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease. So, it was natural to think about how we might offer help and hope to others facing cancer and other diseases.”
Durability and Beauty by Design
The Stowers Institute research campus officially opened in November 2000 after five years of construction. Almost 21 years later, the facility grounds needed a few upgrades, one of which was replacing the entry walkways. Musselman and Hall Contractors worked with local landscape architecture firm Confluence to develop the site improvement plan. Utilizing samples and mock-up design, Musselman and Hall presented the Stowers Institute with a plan to renovate the entry using Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems. Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems provide innovative systems, longer-lasting products, and a variety of mix designs that combine needed durability with desired beauty.
Bomanite Sandscape Texture was the product of choice to create the decorative concrete paving surface at the Stowers Institute. Sandscape Texture by Bomanite is designed for outdoor applications where an alternate to conventional concrete finishes is desired. The finished product resembles sand blasted concrete and is used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, creating consistent texture and durability.
The Stowers Institute needed to restore the paving under the covered front walkway and the design provided by Musselman and Hall included demolition of the old surface and replacement of the entry sidewalks with a two-toned, integrally colored Sandscape Texture paving pattern. This 7,400 square foot installation was broken into two phases to accommodate operations at the Stowers Institute.
Additionally, Musselman and Hall commissioned a very detailed sandblast stencil through Floormaps to represent the logo of the Stowers Institute. The sandblasted logo was an extremely important detail and had to reflect the Stowers logo accurately. Musselman and Hall provided a mock-up design, and the client was blown away by the detail and accuracy. This successful execution resulted in a long-lasting tribute to the couple that started it all – Jim and Virginia Stowers.
Lasting Legacies
With more than a century of construction heritage dating back to the late 1800’s, Musselman & Hall Contractors is known as one of the mid-west’s longest-standing general contractors. They have been building the surrounding communities over the last century, while simultaneously building and establishing long-lasting relationships for the past 100 years.
The Stowers founded the Stowers Institute with a vision of providing cutting edge research to help stamp out diseases and their 2-billion-dollar investment in the Institute has allowed it to continue its mission to aid humanity. Even as the second of the founders passed away recently, their legacy stands firm and their desire and mission to give people hope for a better life is being carried forward.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Musselman and Hall Contractors values long-term customer relationships, creating true connections with their customers and clients. This attention to detail and personalization of design at the Stowers Institute earned them the 2021 Silver Award for Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project. Their skillful execution and the stunning sandscape finish complements the surrounding gardens and will provide a long-lasting concrete paving surface as well as an enduring tribute to Jim and Virginia Stowers.
