FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

California’s Redwood City Courthouse Square

Words: Alice Bracken/Public/News/20111214060000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="California’s Redwood City Courthouse Square won the Congress for New Urbanism 2007 Charter Award." />
California’s Redwood City Courthouse Square won the Congress for New Urbanism 2007 Charter Award.
Redwood City Courthouse Square in California is the perfect union of historic and contemporary design, creating a beautifully open space for the public and community events. Courthouse Square was created on a parcel of land that was formerly occupied by the courthouse annex, which blocked the restored historic 1800s courthouse entry. Removing the courthouse annex created a unique opportunity to design a new entry space to the courthouse as well as a public plaza.

The team

The Carlile-Macy design team of Santa Rosa California created a historic-based design reflecting the architectural character of the restored courthouse. The contractor was DPR Construction Inc., which directed, constructed and facilitated the vision. Architectural Facades Unlimited provided the architectural precast. Sullivan/Thompson Masonry & Restoration were the masonry installers of the precast and glass fiber reinforced cement (GFRC).

The challenge

Architectural Facades Unlimited created the precast elements (see images) of the plaza, which features one of the two semi-enclosed cafe pavilions, along with decorative fountains. The process involved creating from a two-dimensional drawing, a three-dimensional object, which is always challenging, provoking and rewarding.
Architectural Facades Unlimited created the GFRC wall panels, columns, signage, lintels, stair tread, precast fountains and fountain bowls from the Carlile - Macy design specifications.

The result

All of the hard work and creativity resulted in a stunning, historic-contemporary urban environment for the full enjoyment of all who visit.

Accolades

The project won the Congress for New Urbanism 2007 Charter Award for Block, Street & Building Design. More can be seen on this project by visiting www.carlilemacy.com.
 0
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More
Brickworks Supply Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to share that Brickworks Supply will join the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner.

Industry News
Read More
The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition
December 2025

The intersection of Career & Technical Education (CTE) training and rehabilitation was on full display recently as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted a statewide masonry competition. Held at the Cross City Correctional Institution, the eve

Justin Stengel
News and Events
Read More