August 2015: From The Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Little Town, Big Progress

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com Little Town, Big Progress

I live in the small, North Georgia town of Cumming. With all its charm, this quaint city is exploding with growth – both residential and commercial. A close proximity to Atlanta is coupled with an excellent school system to make Forsyth County nearly irresistible to executives and young families alike. And, the mountain views don’t hurt, either. [caption id="attachment_10403" align="alignnone" width="605"]Shown is the new Forsyth County courthouse in Cumming, Ga. Shown is the new Forsyth County courthouse in Cumming, Ga.
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10401" align="alignright" width="150"]The original Forsyth County courthouse The original Forsyth County courthouse
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Stephen Matthew Milligan)[/caption] But let’s focus, for the moment, on the “quaint” factor. Cumming boasted a beautiful brick courthouse, appealing to the eye and the heart. So, you can imagine the initial response of our residents, when we saw an enormous new courthouse breaking ground across the street from its predecessor. “Why do we need a new courthouse?” many asked. “And why does it have to be so darned big?” Well, flash forward about 18 months, and our new courthouse is up and running. It stands mighty and proud, constructed fully of masonry. Now that the building is there, and I have grown more accustomed to its enormity, I have to say that I have grown to love it. It’s modern, dignified and just plain gorgeous. I guess the message here is that, sometimes, “new” isn’t always a welcome thing. But, sometimes, it is.
Hines Market Square
September 2026

Hines Market Square, now known as Aris Market Square, is a mixed-use, multifamily development located in downtown Houston. The architect on this project, Ziegler Cooper, is known for reshaping the urban landscape. In keeping with their vision, the buildin

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
Read More
Understanding Met-Guard Protection in Work Boots
September 2026

Masonry work demands precision and strength, but it also comes with unavoidable risks. From handling heavy materials like brick and block to operating cutting equipment and working in tight, active environments, tradesmen and tradeswomen regularly expose

Andrew Moffatt
MAP Partner
Safety - Footwear
Read More
Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Mackenzie Claassen
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Joint Reinforcement Jointers Restoration
Read More