A springtime example of sustainable building materials collaboratively working together to form a magnificent outcome:
Now that we are in the throes of spring, we can once again look forward to Arbor Day. Arbor Day provides a day of recognition toward the devotion of caring for our trees, as an important way to sustainably protect our planet’s natural resources. With the seasonal changes, we suddenly notice the highlighted green etched edges against the backdrop of the brown branches as our trees begin to provide a graceful tribute to the warm weather ahead. In doing so, we find a renewed appreciation for the intrinsic beauty that they provide in the most natural setting. Trees provide an aesthetic that is incomparable.
In December of 2022, we had the honor of recognizing the Arlington Heights Police Department with an “Excellence in Masonry” award. The building was meticulously designed by Legat Architects (Steve Blye, Project Designer) and then skillfully constructed by Union Craftworkers (BAC District Council #1) for a beautiful and sustainable building that will support the community forever. We are repeatedly drawn to the success of its architecture as Legat Architects created an impressive design with thoughtful details throughout.
When later presenting the award to Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and Police Chief Nicholas Pecora in January, the Chief proudly toured me around the 70,500 square foot station. In addition to the functional finishes, he captivated me with the story of the extensive use of wood throughout the interior. It had painstakingly and thoughtfully been repurposed from the city’s diseased ash trees.
I love the notion that these very trees stood proudly on the parkways throughout the Arlington Heights community and dutifully protected our ecological world for decades. And we now have those very same
trees being protected by an uncompromising, structurally strong, and beautiful masonry building. In this lovely example of architecture, it is evident that masonry now permanently protects the wood that protected the neighborhoods throughout Arlington Heights.
There is no question that the durability of masonry is an unmatched material for its attributes of strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and weather resistance. Consider that it is the best building material to protect your families, your businesses, and your communities.
We can all agree that taking care of our planet is a topic of priority for all of us.
In doing so, let us remember that there is room for everyone and everything on this planet.
Cohesiveness in sustainable building materials will bring us into the future.
Diane Travers, Mark Rogers, Steve Blye, Chief Pecora
