August Project of the Month – Pueblo County Health Department Building

Paver Contractor: South Side Lawn & Landscape, LLC – Pueblo, CO

General Contractor: Bassett Construction Co. – Pueblo, CO

Owner: Pueblo County – Pueblo, CO

Pueblo County Health Department Building is our project of the Month for August.  Installed in May of 2009, the Health Department Building was the catalyst for the continued use of interlocking concrete pavers in Pueblo.

The importance of responsible building has become more apparent with issues such as erosion, water quality and elevating temperatures in streams, rivers and lakes, which are a direct result of stormwater runoff from impermeable pavements.  The federal government, with the assistance of the U.S. Green Building Council, has offered incentives to business and local municipalities to utilize green building techniques such as permeable pavements.

Permeable concrete paving stones have been used in Colorado for a number of years.  In areas which experience large stormwater volume, permeable paving stones help control runoff, mitigate storm surge and improve water quality. While completely functional, these paving stones appeared industrial, minimizing the aesthetic appeal typically associated with concrete pavers.

In 2009, South Side Lawn & Landscape LLC installed the first Eco-Priora pavers into the parking lot for the Health Department Building for the County of Pueblo.  Eco-Priora pavers are ADA compliant variations of the old permeable pavers, but with the look of a normal paver.  While drainage was not an issue at the site, Pueblo opted to take advantage of the LEED Credits and wanted to control the stormwater runoff before it made its way into the stormwater system.  The design of this particular pavement utilized a containment area beneath the aggregate bedding layer, storing the stormwater. The aggregate bedding layer coupled with on site storage reduced the impact on the storm sewer system, reduced the water temperature and removed many of the pollutants which would have normally passed into the watershed.

Due to the success of this project, Pueblo has installed 2 other Eco-Priora projects at the Annex Building and the Municipal Justice Center totaling more than 45000 sf of permeable pavers.

Related posts:

1. Eco-Priora Pavers Used in Project of the Month
2. TimberCreek Zero Energy House
3. Permeable Pavers – Not Just For Urban Environments

Pavers: Eco-Priora Pavers

Paver Contractor: Rocky Mt. Hardscapes – Denver, Colorado

General Contractor: ECI Site Management – Loveland, Colorado

Owner: The City of Fort Morgan – Brighton, Colorado

For over a decade, officials for the City of Fort Morgan debated the necessity of updating the City’s Downtown Main Street Shopping District. In concert with an undersized and antiquated drainage system, persistent flooding from rain and snow melt regularly damaged store fronts, impacting existing businesses and sending potential tenants elsewhere. While it was apparent to the City Council and Mayor Jack Darnell that a solution was needed, there was some debate on what should be included in the scope of the project.

The overriding necessity of the project was addressing the outdated and undersized infrastructure. Some storm water pipes were over 40 years old, several sections were obsolete and often piecemealed together. The poor condition of the existing pavement and the desire for updated landscaping drove the city to several upgrades, including permeable pavers. According to Pat Merrill, City Manager, “We needed to utilize pavers to assist with drainage, as well as for the aesthetic qualities.  Pavestone had an excellent reputation and the price was right!”

18,000 square feet of Eco-Priora pavers were installed in designated parking areas directly in front of the Main Street Shopping District.  The location of these pavers would not only    eliminate store front flooding, but would nearly eliminate the potential for icing.  Snow melt would immediately infiltrate through the Priora paver joint, significantly reducing the need and associated costs of deicing salts.  If deicing is required, aggregate layers within the permeable paver base acts as a filter, cleansing the infiltration and reducing possible contaminates.  Another feature of the Fort Morgan Streetscapes is the use of pavers as striping.  While the bulk of the field pavers are Winter Blend, the City opted to use Limestone pavers as the parking stripes which will reduce the upkeep costs associated with painted lines.

The entirety of the project was completed in 88 days, ahead of schedule and on budget. Pat Merrill said at the end of the project” It exceeds our expectations and looks beautiful.”

Related posts:

1. Interlocking Concrete Pavers
2. Project of the Month – Durable Pavers
3. Paving with Eco-Priora Permeable Pavers at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado

January Project of the Month – St. Augustine Catholic Church

Paver Contractor: Continental Hardscapes – Golden, Colorado

General Contractor: Bernard’s Custom Construction – Brighton, Colorado

Owner: St. Augustine’s Church – Brighton, Colorado

The St. Augustine Catholic Church project in Brighton, Colorado consisted of a large parking area of 64,000 sf, installed with the use of Optimus mechanical paver laying equipment.

St. Augustine’s Parish began in 1887 with the collaboration of Bishop Machebeuf, William Howlett and the assistance of 12 area families. Originally, the parish was a quaint brick building with a wooden steeple. Since then, the parish has expanded into a majestic facility with over 800 families attending Sunday services.

With such an increase, it became evident additional parking was required. Not only must the site accommodate the parishioners, but it also needed to compliment the aesthetics of the church itself. In addition, a major concern was safety and the possibility of ice forming in low spots and potholes in asphalt.

As the existing storm sewer infrastructure in Brighton exceeded capacity, the City encouraged church officials to consider alternative designs and advocated a permeable parking structure. St. Augustine’s reviewed a variety of permeable and porous pavement systems before choosing Pavestone Eco-Priora™. Coupling the “front end” costs with life-cost analysis, the church decided Eco pavers “had the better package” according to Ken Anderson, Business Administrator for St. Augustine Catholic Church. Furthermore, they opted to utilize Pavestone’s new Platinum series, which added additional vibrancy and greater color variation.

50,000 sf of the main parking area was installed mechanically. Material was installed a layer at a time (approximately 10 sf per layer), which dramatically reduced installation time and labor costs when compared with hand lay. Water filters between the pavers, through a stone-bedding layer, then directly into the ground, recharging area groundwater.

Permeable pavers have provided the church with the results they were looking for. The Platinum Eco-Priora™ is not only “lovely” but also very functional, ecologically friendly with the benefit of addressing the “icing” issue.

Download your copy of the Pavestone Hardscape Herald published by our Denver Branch – Henderson, Colorado
303 -287- 3700

Related posts:

1. Paving with Eco-Priora Permeable Pavers at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado
2. Interlocking Concrete Pavers
3. Permeable Pavers – Not Just For Urban Environments

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Watkins Concrete Block of Omaha, Nebraska recently completed its fourth Ultimate Backyard Challenge. The contest was started in 2005 to encourage hardscape contractors to think beyond the patio and up sell projects to include all the amenities of an outdoor room. Each project includes hardscape products that Watkins offers like retaining walls, pavers and natural stone. Fire features are required to provide year round use for the homeowner. The project must be landscaped and utilize landscape lighting. Contractors are required to clean and seal the pavers for photo and video purposes. “The real winners are the homeowners.” says Lisa Lackovic, marketing manager for Watkins. “They get an awesome backyard for outdoor living and entertaining. Their yard becomes the neighborhood gathering spot and provides enjoyment for everyone.”

The contest has continued despite the downturn in the economy due to the fact that more people are staying in their home instead of moving and staying home instead of traveling. Material discounts are offered to the contractor and carried to the homeowner as added incentive for them to upgrade their project. “Everyone is looking for a deal these days.” Lackovic states. “We offer some price reductions to help the contractor sell the homeowner a larger scale project than was originally planned.”

Three landscape architects judge the contest in the fall and select the one with best overall design, workmanship, creativity and use of space. The winner of the 2009 contest will be announced at the Watkins Hardscape Contractor Seminar March 3rd in Omaha. The winner will take home a 2010 CAT Skid Steer valued at $32,000. All eleven contestants entered the contest with a $1500.00 entry fee. In return they receive $6000 in advertising in Watkins placed ads in the newspaper, magazines and on TV. Watkins also features all the contestants in their “Men of Hardscapes” calendar as well as in their showroom on their LCD screen and on their website. “We really appreciate the support Pavestone has offered for all our contests.” Lackovic added. “We could not have done this without them.”

Watkins will host the fifth contest this year. Emphasis will be placed on small scale projects to align with current economic conditions and homeowner preference. Research has found that homeowners are looking for a private, outdoor living area that is a quiet place to relax and get away.

Entries are now being taken. Projects must be in a 50 mile radius of Omaha, NE. Contact Lisa Lackovic at 402-896-0900 for more information. Also go to watkinsconcreteblock.com/ubc

Lisa and her team have done an outstanding job creating videos for the Watkins Ultimate Backyard Challenge. I have included one from 2008 below. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2009 winner.

Related posts:

1. Turn Tax Refunds Into Backyard Dreamscapes

The TimberCreek Zero House was the official Show House of the 2009 Sunbelt Builders Show™.  Whiz-Q partnered with Pavestone to sponsor this energy efficient home. The TimberCreek Zero Energy House is a 2500 square foot demonstration project for the Department of Energy’s “Building America” program to encourage homeowners and builders to take the next step in living and building in a more fiscally and environmentally sensible manner.

Steve Akin, CDC Sales for Pavestone, submitted the two Pavestone videos at the link below.  Steve says that perm paving is the wave of the future, both in harvesting rainwater and controling flow into city sewage systems.

Pavestone Surfaces and Pervious Driveway

Backyard Pavestone

See All 32 Zero Energy Videos Here:
The TimberCreek Zero Energy House Videos

Let us know if you have any permeable paving projects that you would like to show off on our blog.

Related posts:

1. Interlocking Concrete Pavers
2. It’s Easy Being Green

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Ed Link, from Pavestone’s Cincinnati office, sent in these awesome pictures of a Highland 6″ Combo wall that Wasson’s Nursery in Union City Indiana has been working on. The owner and Landscape Designer is Dan Wasson. The newer wall is for a basketball court.

Send in pictures of your Pavestone projects if you would like to be featured in our blog.

Related posts:

1. Retaining Walls – Frequently Asked Questions
2. Segmental Retaining Walls – Not Your Father’s Retaining Wall
3. New Orleans Beautification Project – Pave Stones & Retaining Walls by Pavestone

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

This latest showcase was submitted by John Rowe from Pavestone’s Denver office.

Fort Morgan, a small agricultural town in northeastern Colorado, has incorporated 17,000SF of permeable pavers to their downtown renovation project. They chose EcoPriora Winter Blend for the field and utilize a bright Limestone color for parking lane demarkations. All of the parking places in a two block area are permeable — they look great and offer the city a fully functional driving service as well as a safe way to dispose of toxic runoff.

The runoff from the street as well a the parking places are all drained back into the subsoil where the toxins are filtered off as the water makes its way back into the subsoil well beneath the surface of the street. Rocky Mountain Hardscapes installed the pavers in only two weeks and are very impressed on how easily this paver system is put into service.

If you would like your Pavestone project shown on our blog, just send me an email with pictures and details.

Related posts:

1. November Articles – Permeable Pavers and “Mean Green”
2. Eco-Priora Pavers Used in Project of the Month
3. Permeable Parking Lots Make Sense for Extreme Winter Weather

Shirley Frangoudakis, from Pavestone’s Atlanta region, sent in pictures from Southern Environmental Landscaping Contractors, Inc. which participated in a trade show recently. This was called the Ultimate Guys Expo and was their first take at doing a trade show. They decided to incorporate the landscape company and the line of electric hunting carts that they carry. We think they did an outstanding job with the display showcasing Pavestone products.

Needless to say I think we may have went over the top just a little bit, most of the other vendors were in a 8×10 booth. We kind of stood out since we took up a 25 x 30 area. Thanks to “Pavestone’ for helping us out with materials for the booth and being our featured material provider.

Chad J. Freeborn NCMA/ICPI Certified Installer President – Southern Environmental Landscaping Contractors, Inc.

Take a look at their awesome display with 91 pictures showing how it was all put together. Great job!

Related posts:

1. Campus Design – SMU Mustang Plaza & Mall
2. Landscape Design Using Retaining Walls
3. Paver Installation – Exceeding Expectations in Utah