Congratulations 2015 Masonry Excellence Awards Winners

Words: Deborah BarberArt, Innovation and Endurance: the projects submitted for the 2015 MAF Masonry Excellence Awards are the embodiments of all of these qualities. The Masonry Excellence Awards are the celebration of the art and craftsmanship of the mason, the innovation of the contractor and architect and the endurance of masonry materials produced here in Florida.

Projects submitted were reviewed and judged anonymously by a distinguished jury of masonry and design professionals. Consideration was given to the overall design and use of masonry, as well as the technical aspects of each project. The winning projects listed showed superiority in technical design and craftsmanship.

2015 Masonry Excellence Award Winners

Commercial

1st Place: Plant Street Market — Chris Bettinger Oldcastle
Merit: Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center — Bill Parsons, Pyramid Masonry

Gordon Drive
Gordon Drive

Residential

1st Place: Private Residence 1 (Gordon) -- David Nelson Masonry
Merit: Private Residence 2 (Sheetz) — David Nelson Masonry

Tequesta Residence
Tequesta Residence

Hardscapes

1st Place: Tequesta Residence — Lisa Pelham A1 Block
Merit: Ocean Avenue — Greg Strickland Titan Block
Merit: Eatonville Gateway — Chris Bettinger Oldcastle

Palladio
Palladio

Multi-family

1st Place: Palladio — Joel Blackmon Oldcastle
Merit: Steelhouse — Steve Bischke Oldcastle

Heavener Hall
Heavener Hall

Institutional

1st Place: Heavener Hall — Steve Bischke Oldcastle
Merit: Zephyrhills Public Library — Doug McCall Oldcastle

Firemen’s Statue
Firemen’s Statue

Creative Use of Masonry & Special Features

1st Place: Firemen’s Statue — Jerry Painter, Painter Masonry
Merit: Santa Fe College — Kem Butler — Argos US

Project of the Year (Tie):

Plant Street Market — Chris Bettinger Oldcastle
Private Residence 1 (Gordon)— David Nelson — David Nelson Masonry

Winners were honored at the MAF Awards Reception being held on June 25, 2015 at the Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida. Additionally, winning projects will be featured in the MAF Masonry Excellence Awards publication.

The Masonry Association of Florida, Inc. (MAF) is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1987. Our mission is to promote masonry construction and support the mason contractors in Florida.

Additional information is available on our website: www.floridamasonryawards.com or by contacting, Deb Bartolucci, 954-295-9926 or deb@floridamasonry.com.
From Idea to Jobsite: Inside EZG’s R&D Process
May 2026

In the masonry industry, equipment is rarely developed in isolation. The most effective tools are shaped by real jobsite challenges and refined through contractor feedback. At EZG Manufacturing, research and development is a hands-on, iterative process th

Announcing The MASONRY STRONG Network™
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the MASONRY STRONG Network, a video-first multimedia platform. This marks the next chapter for the Association’s MASONRY, the brand that has informed and connected the trade for over

Manufactured Stone Veneer or Thin-Cut Natural Stone: Which One is Right for Your Next Project?
May 2026

Stone continues to be a go-to material in both residential and commercial construction, used for its texture, depth and ability to elevate a façade or interior space. For masons, general contractors, builders and design professionals looking for lightweig

Celebrating Craftsmanship and Country
May 2026

The 250th anniversary of the United States is more than a date. It is a reflection of centuries of progress, innovation, and determination. STABILA has chosen to mark this milestone with a product that mirrors those same qualities. The Patriot Series Maso