Masonry Magazine October 1981 Page. 26
MOSCOW EMBASSY
continued from page 29
The American Embassy in Moscow will be the ultimate in facilities of its kind, with living quarters, recreation centers, and underground facilities including a gymnasium, pool, cafeteria, auditorium and bowling alley. "Its size and design are distinctively unlike most other embassies throughout the world," says Jordan Gruzen, chairman of Gruzen & Partners.
According to Thomas C. Lehrecke, associate partner of Gruzen & Partners and project manager of the American Embassy in Moscow, the new Embassy, to be built mostly by Russian workmen, had to be designed with Russian construction codes and work techniques in mind. "All concrete frames and floor assemblies are prefabricated," he explains. "They are constructed in Moscow and brought to the site for quick assembly. Whenever we are called upon to design a structure that will be built to meet foreign requirements and be constructed by foreign contractors, many more things must be considered than if we were designing an American building. Local industry standards, climate, availability of materials, local sentiments and the cultural and political context must be considered." The final result is worth waiting for.
Sock It To 'em
A beautiful young socialite sought out a famous artist and offered him $5,000 to paint her in the nude. He refused, explaining that it was against his principles.
A week later, she called him again and offered him $10,000. Again he refused. When she called him a third time and offered $25,000, he asked if he could think it over.
The next day, he phoned her and said he'd do it, with one qualification. "I'll have to wear socks," he said. "I need a place for my brushes."
GIANT-P-307-B "OPEN THROAT" CONCRETE-GROUT MACHINE
its EFFICIENCY is in its SIMPLICITY
MASONRY BLOCK SLABS FOUNDATIONS FORM FILLS COLUMNS MUD JACKING, ETC.
* Fewer moving parts means less repairs
* Driving pistons are to sides of machine for easy maintenance
* Any pump speed from 0 to maximum
FOR LITERATURE WRITE: DEALER RESPONSE
GIANT INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
8481 Whittier Boulevard SINCE 1957
Pico Rivera, California 90660
(213) 699-6388 or 723-5218
Donors Aid McDonald House Project; Additional Contributions Needed
Caring never stops for the house love built. New construction of a much-needed elevator is underway at Chicago's three-story Ronald McDonald House, an 18-room building at 622 W. Deming Place.
Thirty-three companies and unions from Chicago and outlying communities have donated materials and services valued in excess of $125,000.
Ronald McDonald House is a home where parents can stay while their children are being treated for cancer, leukemia and other serious illnesses at nearby Children's Memorial Hospital. In some cases, children can be treated as outpatients and live at the House with their parents.
Children's Oncology Services of Illinois, Inc. (COS), a non-profit, all-volunteer organization made up of parents, medical people, McDonald's personnel and others, coordinated all efforts on behalf of the elevator project.
Since this news item was written, the elevator project has been completed-thanks to efforts by journeymen with Bricklayers Local #21 of Illinois, 21 of whom contributed 31 man days of work on their weekends. Shown here are five of "Chicago's finest" topping out the elevator shaft. Also making major contributions were the Mason Contractors Association of Greater Chicago, Chicago Cut Stone Contractors Association, Chicago Block Co., American Brick Co., Ramm Brick & Materials, Huron Cement Co., Rockwell Lime Co., Industrial Steel Service Center, Homa Contractors Supply Co., Walter W. Mitchell Co., and Lance Construction Supply.
People desiring more information or wishing to make contributions of materials or labor should contact COS at 312/272-5915. Cash donations may be sent to Ronald McDonald House Elevator Fund, 622 W. Deming Place, Chicago, IL 60614.
New Terra Cotta Society Formed
With increased interest in a more decorative approach to buildings, as evidenced by the Post-Modernism architectural movement, the trend may be toward decorative products such as terra cotta. Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright are just two major architects who used terra cotta on their buildings, and this material may well be due for a revival.
The Friends of Terra Cotta recently formed a society to advance this cause. The group's aim is to make architects, owners and the general public more aware of terra cotta and to encourage its use in contemporary design. It also aims to preserve those terra cotta buildings now standing.
Those wishing more information about the society may contact: Ms. Beverly Bubar, c/o California Historical Society, 2090 Jackson St., San Francisco, CA 94109.