Masonry Magazine August 1972 Page. 31
The Crystal Plaza Apartments of split veneer units are a pleasing backdrop to the ice-skating rink at Crystal City. On the underground level with the rink is a complete shopping center.
National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), "the design aesthetics of Crystal City were given vital consideration. As a result concrete masonry was given the nod in providing the continuity and balance between office, commercial and residential properties."
Architect Alexander Jeffries of Weihe, Black and Jeffries, architects for the Crystal City complex, said, "Split-faced concrete masonry was chosen primarily because of its color control and the attractive appearance it presents. The wide choice of matrix color and stone aggregate that could be incorporated into the total design of the project was the basis for our decision in using the split-faced concrete masonry at Crystal City.
"Split block," said Jeffries, "has been supplied to the project over a period of six years and color control on the entire supply was such that there are no lines of demarcation. Uniformity of quality is apparent throughout the wide variety of split block application in this dynamic city within a city."
NCMA point out that in addition to the textural beauty and continuity within the residential phases of the complex, the masonry provides the built-in security of fire-safety and satisfies code requirements and the national concern about the design and construction of safer high-rise apartments and offices. In this case, NCMA explains, the split block veneer and backup combination also aids in abating the sonic interferences of National Airport and the noises of a nearby freight yard.
Mason contractors throughout the United States and Canada are encouraged to be alert to plans for comparable "working-living" complexes in their areas and do all that's possible to assure that quality masonry plays a leading role as it's doing in Arlington's Crystal City. A bold new era in community development is underway and there's a solid place in it for masonry. Unlike so many other building products, masonry provides design versatility, textural beauty, complete fire safety, sound and insulation controls, low maintenance and in-the-wall economy.
masonry August, 1972