Masonry Magazine March 1970 Page. 32
Glass Masonry
Adds Sparkle
Project: Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, III.
Mason Contractor: Dick Nauman
General Contractor: C. Iber
Gail K. Norlin, R.N. (above), pauses in stairwell to admire Intaglio glass block paneling at Perry Memorial Hospital. The new panels at side of new wing admit natural light.
Right: Cara B. Eckberg, in-service education director, confers with administrator Harold Goebel in front of hospital's main entrance. Facade inset consists of 17 panels of Pittsburgh Corning Itaglio glass block.
The trend to moderate cost, functionally designed hospitals using decorative fronting materials to enhance appearance is illustrated in the new wing of Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, III. This three-story addition of red brick and pre-cast concrete is conventional in design, with exception of the striking use of architectural glass masonry.
Inset in the east-facing facade at the main entrance are 17 panels of Intaglio glass block. The No. 1 Intaglio is laid up in an offsetting vertical and horizontal pattern. Six spotlights illuminate the facade at night. Additional Intaglio panels are located at the side and rear of the building. All of the glass blocks are laid flush against inner framework except the side panels, where the block provides natural lighting for stairwells.
According to Harold B. Goebel, Jr., hospital administrator, the striking use of glass masonry has drawn many favorable comments from visitors and patients. C. Iber, Peoria, III., was the general contractor. Dick Nauman, Metamora, III., was the masonry contractor.
Perry Memorial is a 200-bed, municipally-owned general hospital serving patients and doctors within a 35-mile radius of Princeton. Its $3.5-million building program was completed in June, 1969. The new wing is designed for expansion and eventually will accommodate an additional five floors.