Spring 2015: Table of Contents

Words: Dan Kamys



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Spring 2015:

Table of Contents

features

Materials
Brick: An Old Way to a Better Tomorrow
Since early mankind moved out of caves and into communities, brick was a desired construction material. With readily available raw materials, a simple manufacturing process, and durable and sustainable results, brick’s continued prominence is easy to understand.
By Chris Hines

Project Spotlight
Workhorse Rally
The Village of La Grange has a long-standing tradition of preserving its past, including its beloved Stone Avenue Train Station, which recently underwent a vital restoration.
By Marc Rohde and Douglas Ogurek

Materials
Masonry Flashing
Flashings remain a critical component of any cavity wall system, diverting moisture outward as it collects in the cavity space to the exterior of the façade through the weep openings. A failure in this arrangement can ultimately lead to degradation of wall components.
By Jeremy S. Douglas CSI, CCPR

Restoration
A Timely Renaissance
For nearly a century, throngs of area residents of Waltham, Mass., made their way to work in the iconic 1854 factory of the Waltham Watch Company along the Charles River. Today, the factory is enjoying a second life, thriving once again through a mixed-use renaissance that provides innovative living and working spaces in its restored and renovated buildings.
By Henry Moss, AIA, LEED

Materials
Stone 101
What every member of a project team must know before, during, and after installation of natural stone.
By Mike Buechel

columns & departments

Letter from the Editor
Supplies

Hot This Time of Year
July 2026

Yes, summer is hot; that is just how it is. Summer heat can have effects on many things, and as I get older, I realize there is usually something I can do to tolerate the hot days. We all know the obvious, and I am sure every one of us has that person who

The Walls We Build
July 2026

As masons, we spend our careers building walls. We build them with brick, block, stone, and mortar, and we take pride in making them straight, strong, and built to last. But over the years, I’ve learned there is another kind of wall we build—the walls we

Owen Heimbach
July 2026

This month, the MCAA had the pleasure of speaking with SkillsUSA First Place Winner Owen Heimbach, a young mason just starting out whose enthusiasm for bricklaying is truly contagious. His passion for the craft was evident throughout our interview.

Backfill Your Foundation
July 2026

I’ve been noticing an uptick in a very specific kind of application lately, and once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. The résumé usually reads like a family photo album. “Started helping my dad when I was 15.” “Worked summers, then full time.” “R