Masonry Magazine October 1989 Page. 19
The waiting area utilizes light columns in providing the proper illumination and desired dramatic effect.
The massive base columns of two of the three barrel arches.
The PC Glass Blocks were furnished by Masonry and Glass Systems, Houston, Texas.
Light columns and archways make the concession area an attractive and inviting stopping point.
In late August 1987, the contract was awarded to 4-M Construction Service. The owner put the contract on a twenty-four hour basis on December 23, and the park was opened in Mid-April 1988. In addition to the arches and waiting areas, the contract included auxiliary buildings at the entrance area for ticketing, concessions and related buildings. Job superintendent Mark Weiss built a frame scaffold enclosure that completely surrounded the arches. Using this weatherproof enclosure to insure full use of the twenty-four hour schedule, the construction team poured hundreds of yards of concrete, set 160 anchor bolts, 160 tons of steel, and 16,000 Pittsburgh Corning twelve inch Decora glass block. Seven miles of caulking were used to achieve the finished project. The construction team functioned together to complete the project on time that allowed the owner to keep its opening day schedule. Our thanks to Turner Smith and Sea World of Texas for their cooperation in making this article possible.
The Sea World logo is effectively displayed to highlight the central arch and draw visitors into the park. Although Frank Wallace Masonry was able to complete other portions of the contract, he was not released to work on the triple arches until March 17. The arches were completed on March 31, with cleanup and scaffold removal on April 3. Wallace used Ladicrete 8501 to accelerate the mortar set.