When first approached regarding this project, the design intent was to modernize one of Charlotte’s most exclusive retail outdoor shopping plazas. The existing slate, set on a concrete base was beginning to come loose, and create a hazard to customers. Several meetings with the designer, and owners were required to not only come up with a color and pattern, but to devise an installation process that would not impede daily pedestrian traffic to 12 high-end retailers. Many color samples were made and the decision was to use white cement in order to lighten the overall look of the paving. A unique imprinting pattern, exclusive only to this client was created. Several adaptations of the Bomacron T-shaped graphics pattern were used in order to provide a pattern that changed, based on the angle of the view. A custom-designed 4’ x 4’ tool was made with exclusive use to this client.

Bomanite Licensed Contractor, Carolina Bomanite was chosen to act as General Contractor for the project, with employees handling demolition, safety, forming and pouring. The owner hired an electrical sub-contractor. The main challenge was the limited working hours, limited access to many of the retail stores and the safety of pedestrians around an active construction site.

The first phase was to layout and install new cast-in-place planter walls and new fountain bases. Next was the demolition of up to 12” of concrete base plus 3-4” thick slate. New stone base was then brought in, compacted and forms set for the 3-4:00 am pours. This schedule allowed for the concrete to set enough for protective temporary walkways to be placed over the top prior to the 10:00 am opening each day. After several delays and two months of small limited pours, the plaza was awash in a new brighter color and pattern.

PHOTO GALLERY