Masonry Magazine October 1988 Page. 14
Cover Photo
A Building For All Seasons
"We wanted a building that would be animated, both day and night. Being so massive, its size had to be in harmony with the surrounding residential community. Masonry helped us accomplish these goals," commented Eugene J. Mackey III, about the Bi-State DeBaliviere Station Garage, St. Louis. Winner of an Award of Excellence in the 1987 Masonry Institute of St. Louis Awards Program.
The design team, headed by Ripley Rasmus did indeed create a "good neighbor" structure in keeping with the newly rejuventated area. The enormous bus barn does not just sit stoically, dominating its urban corner. It adds a grace and contemporary elegance to its setting. The distinctive masonry clock tower attracts attention to itself as a good neighbor focal point that invites passersby to check the time of day. The two different masonry units (two different colored bricks, cast stone, glazed brick and glass block) create an ambiance and warmth that gives the building human scale and detailing, and adds visual interest and invigorates the spirit of the neighborhood.
This building has life day and night," Mackey explained. "As a maintenance and storage area for buses, it is in constant use. The glass blocks animate the building by allowing natural light to flood the inside during the daytime activities and by providing a glowing effect outside at night. This is no dark mass taking up two city blocks. This is an experience that gives viewers one feeling during the day and another at night. It is an exciting building to go by."
In expressing his enthusiasm for the esthetics of the building. Mackey invites people to walk into the stair tower and see the beauty of its masonry design. Project architect was Dick Kirschner and project principal was Karl Pettit. Design team for the project was Booker & Associates and associate architects were Kennedy & Associates. The award winning masonry was done by MCAA member Leonard Masonry.
Four companies supplied materials for the DeBaliviere Station Garage: Hytex Brick, Richards Brick, National Brick and Masonry & Glass Systems, Inc.
Gene Mackey in talking about scale... and brick says, "Masonry buildings are more interesting. It's a convincing material. You never have to paint it. Put it up; it's secure, solid and believable. It's been part of the building tradition for centuries."
"Never question the future of brick. It's like the air we breathe and the sunshine we enjoy it will always be used because of its flexibility. Its variations are endless; its use depends only upon the imagination of the designer."