DECORATIVE CONCRETE
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BY JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI
A Pool of Volunteer Work
S
et near central Detroit, Mich., the former Durfee ElementaryMiddle School fell to disrepair. Instead of deconstruction, Life Remodeled began renovation and repurposed the building in 2017 to what is now known as the Durfee Innovation Society. A part of that renovation was dealing with the school's pool. Determined too costly to maintain they filled it, leaving space on top, roughly two steps down. Four years later, in March 2021, volunteers from the Decorative Concrete Council (DCC) and the Manufacturers’ Advisory Council (MAC) of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) stepped in to offer their time and effort towards the community project—creating a splash with their expertise and artistic solution to what was once a bare-concrete space, now appropriately named "The Dive." Led by CEO and founder Chris Lambert, Life Remodeled is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization. The Durfee Innovation Society exists to create substantial and impactful opportunities for the people of Detroit. 'THE DIVE' Paul Albanelli, president of Albanelli Cement Contractors, Livonia, Mich. was the project manager for the installation. The project scope was to apply a four-color metallic epoxy coating to resemble water, to a concrete slab in an old pool that had been filled in, with special effects on steps and a ramp. Additional steps were added to allow additional access to the space, the ramp acts as a beach completing the ocean view illusion. Albanelli arrived on site early that week to address and repair any cracks in the surface, using a solution donated by Roadware and the Euco Qwikstitch
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rapid-setting urethane crack and spall repair donated by The Euclid Chemical Co. After grinding and polishing for 1.5 days, the surface was finally ready for the colored epoxy coating (a donation also provided by Euclid). Rick Lobdell of Concrete Mystique began creative work of designing the water, beach, and wave effects to the floor. Roughly 12 volunteers from all over the U.S. came to Detroit to help—not including all the additional support behind the scenes. Concrete contractor volunteers state that volunteering their time gains them an opportunity to practice their craft and a chance to experience new products they've never used before. For example, Lobdell hadn't utilized the epoxy from Euclid Chemical and found it very easy to use. He says he now uses it in projects all the time. While easy to use, as with everything in concrete construction timing is key and volunteers had to start work immediately. The unsung hero of the story may very well be the mixing volunteer on the sidelines. The blends needed to be just right to provide the illusion of depth necessary, and without bubbles, all while getting buckets out in a timely fashion. Once started, explains Lobdell, the project needs to be worked on all at once—the water, the waves, etc.—to avoid pour lines. "This project created one of the most unique and innovative spaces within our entire building," says Lambert, "We asked community members as well as students who regularly participate in programming at the Durfee Innovation Society what they wanted to see in the former pool, and it was clear they wanted to hold on to some of the historical significance and nostalgia they felt in that space. We were so blessed to have partnered with Paul Albanelli and
Volunteers from the Decorative Concrete Council and Manufacturers’ Advisory Council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors completed an epoxy flooring project (at right) on top of the Durfee Innovation Society (at left) former pool. Life Remodeled
the talented members of the Decorative Concrete Council to bring this vision to life." While the DCC and ASCC look for projects to do around the country that are typically focused on helping kids and veterans. However, you don't have to wait for the call to action. They encourage you to reach out and get involved in your own community. It doesn't need to be a big project—little things can make a big difference.
Find more from the ASCC at ForConstructionPros.com/ 10071951.
Materials were donated by The Euclid Chemical Co., Increte, and H & C Decorative Concrete Products (Sherwin-Williams). Labor was provided by Albanelli Cement Contractors, Birmingham Decorative Concrete, Leeds, Ala.; BORIDE Engineered Abrasives, Traverse City, Mich.; Concrete Marketing Crew, Parkland, Fla.; Concrete Mystique Engraving, Nashville, Tenn.; Hyde Concrete, Pasadena, M.D.; Innovative Chemical Products, Ft. Worth, Texas; Modern Concrete, East Providence, R.I.; Sundek National Accounts, Arlington, Texas; and Transhield/TopCure, Elkhart, Ind.
www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete
11/30/21 12:54 PM
