Since 1973, the Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) has been instrumental in connecting lives across Kansas and western Missouri. Working as a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) that is federally certified, MTN collaborates with organ, eye, and tissue donors and their families, along with hospitals and various professional partners. Their efforts are aimed at extending legacies, offering hope, and saving lives. Notably, MTN is ranked within the top 10% of OPOs in the United States. Obviously, these can be very traumatic and stressful times for patients and families. MTN needed a Memorial Plaza that provides a space for families to honor the donor heroes and the gift of donation. McCownGordon, the main contractors on the project, and Hoefer Welker, the Project Designer chose Bomanite Licensee Musselman & Hall Contractors to install the decorative concrete plaza.
Project Specs Not Size Dictate Difficulty
The choice of Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems was a perfect project decision. Though relatively small in size at 740 SF, the project had a number of elements that made it complex. The project featured Bomanite Sandscape® Texture with concentric, overlapping sandblasted rings to achieve a variance in color and texture. The memorial plaza includes a sculpture foundation and a small water feature in the center of the plaza. Along the plaza’s perimeter, five decorative concrete benches are strategically placed to provide a comfortable resting spot for families who spend time here.
Musselman & Hall concrete craftsmen were concerned about achieving the distinct and consistent sandblast rings. The sandblasting was further complicated by the circular pattern and detailed lines. Musselman & Hall built custom cut plywood sandblast shields and used sandblast tape where the “infinity rings” overlapped. The outcome is the creation of a stunning plaza, meticulously designed for the patients and their families. This space serves as a peaceful retreat, where individuals can relax and find solace amidst their challenges, offering a serene environment that enhances their overall experience.
Enhancing Outdoor Spaces with Bomanite Sandscape® Texture
Bomanite Sandscape® Texture emerges as an innovative solution for outdoor environments, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional concrete finishes. This advanced concrete solution is crafted through the use of specialized mix designs, additives, topical treatments, and precise application techniques. It adeptly mimics the appearance of sand-blasted concrete, and it can also integrate specialized colored sands and aggregates larger than 3/8” in diameter. The appeal of Bomanite Sandscape® Texture lies not only in its aesthetic resemblance to natural textures but also in its cost-effectiveness as a decorative concrete option. This economical choice yields a monolithic concrete slab that boasts a low life-cycle cost, attributed to the surface’s pre-aged nature, making it a prudent selection for numerous projects.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Bomanite Sandscape® Texture is engineered for versatility and longevity, making it the perfect choice for a wide range of applications including plazas, walkways, shopping centers, educational facilities, and more. The surface’s texture is not only consistent but also durable, offering a multitude of standard and custom options, including light-reflective formulations that mitigate the heat island effect. When paired with various color and staining options, such as Bomanite Con-Color and Bomanite Chemical Stain, it allows for the creation of distinctive and resilient hardscapes. The advanced technology behind Bomanite Sandscape® Texture caters to both aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, establishing it as an indispensable solution for contemporary outdoor design.
Compassionate Creative Concrete Design
This plaza is a sanctuary where the legacies of donor heroes are honored, and families find comfort and connection during times of profound loss and reflection. The intricacies of the project—from the meticulous selection of materials to the careful crafting of sandblast rings—highlight the dedication of Musselman & Hall Contractors to achieving a finish that complements the sacredness of the site. The result is a space that transcends its physical boundaries, becoming a beacon of hope and healing for the community. It showcases how decorative concrete can be elevated from a mere construction material to an integral part of landscape design that touches human lives. As the Midwest Transplant Network continues its noble mission, the Memorial Plaza remains a tangible representation of their commitment to connecting lives, extending legacies, and fostering a community of support and remembrance.
