RETAIL/COMMERCIAL

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OAK BROOK CENTER-Oak Brook, IL
Architect-John Lahey, AIA, VP, Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, Inc.; Chicago, IL
Special Design Award from the Illinois-Indiana Masonry Council

Oak Brook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois

"We chose Elgin-Butler's unique glazed brick for a number of reasons, including the human scale offered by the basic brick shape-but the deciding factor was the ability of Elgin-Butler to produce special shapes, especially curved brick and bullnose shapes, to add elegance to the soft curves."
John Lahey, AIA, Vice President
Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, Inc.
Chicago, IL

The architect selected a utility brick size (4"x 4"x 12") in glossy Winter White and accented the structure with matching Architectural Trim Units. The Oak Brook Center was completed over ten years ago and there have been additions made to the structure over the years. Elgin-Butler matched the color for every new building.

The entire project consisted of over 100,000 units and is an excellent example of ceramic glazed brick installation in a severe weather climate. Oak Brook (outside of Chicago) experiences high winds, heavy winter snowfalls, and many freeze-thaw cycles each year (sometimes several each day). The walls were design using a rain screen design option, which consists of cavity walls, flashing, vents, and expansion joints that compartmentalize wall sections. This particular construction design is also a factor in the building's durability.

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MOTHER'S MARKET & KITCHEN-Huntington Beach, CA
Architect-Robert McGraw and Associates; Laguna Beach, CA
Masonry Contractor-BD Tile; Costa Mesa, CA

Arch near the entrance

The architect on this project called an Elgin-Butler distributor searching for a true "white" brick. Mother's Market is an upscale natural foods grocery store and deli. The exterior design of the building is in a "coast guard" style, and the project originally called for ceramic tile. When the architect discovered Elgin-Butler's glossy white glazed brick, he changed the specification. The architect and building owner were searching for a durable, high gloss, bright material. Elgin-Butler glazed brick will not change color or lose its gloss over time from sun or severe weather exposure. The architect also wanted to include some special shapes in the design. He needed bullnose corners and some specially glazed units for racking the columns, which Elgin-Butler was able to manufacture without a problem. Glazed bricks were then added to the exterior archway over the entrance, as well as to the semi-circular planters built into the wall. Glazed brick gave the architect and owner the look they wanted and also offered them great design flexibility.

OTHER COMMERCIAL PROJECTS:

	Wyndham Hotel Houston, Texas
Retail center in Breckenridge, Colorado