Provo Peaks Elementary School

Provo, UT

Mason Contractor: Doyle Hatfield Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Sandstrom & Associates Architecture
General Contractor: Hogan & Associates Construction
Suppliers: Interstate Brick
Owner: Provo City School District

Wall System: Cavity Wall: Brick Veneer/Reinforced Concrete Block

Project Description

Farrer Elementary School was originally built as a middle school in 1931. It was eventually converted into an elementary school. Over time, Farrer Elementary School became inadequate to facilitate the needs of the school district and it also needed a structural upgrade. In turn, Provo City School District awarded Sandstrom & Associates Architecture to replace the school and make it a modern, state of art education building.

Before the demolition of Farrer Elementary, and because of the historic significance of the building to the community, 80 year old Terra-Cotta panels and medallions were meticulously cut from the building by Doyle Hatfield Masonry. These panels and medallions were incorporated into the new design of the building. Doyle Hatfield Masonry, in conjunction with Brailsford Cast Stone, took molds of the terra-cotta panel systems and made exact replicas of the terra-cotta. Brailsford Precast made precast concrete panels to match the old terra cotta panel system. This allowed the architect to design a pattern across the top of the school. The old terra-cotta and the new precast panels were then laid into the wall. The history and beauty of Ferrer Elementary incorporated into the New Provo Peaks Elementary School has blended old with new, and has maintained the history of downtown Provo.

Take a closer look at the precast panel systems, and you will find it hard to notice the hand stained precast concrete. This was done to give the precast concrete the closest look possible to the 80 year old terra-cotta.

Since Provo Peaks Elementary used the Terra Cotta that was originally on the Ferrer Elementary School, it is not surprising to realize the sustainability and longevity of masonry and the buildings built by CMU, Brick and other masonry products. Doyle Hatfield Masonry is proud to recycle and reuse the terra cotta panels in the new construction of Provo Peaks Elementary School.

The Terra Cotta panels and medallions posed a unique challenge for the construction of the School. The demolition was executed safely while children were still in school. The bricklayers ground out joints and took the upmost care to remove the terra cotta, palletize, and store it for a future installation date. Doyle Hatfield Masonry is proud that it salvaged and reused almost all of the terra cotta panel systems.

As you can see, the project is a one of a kind masterpiece.

Date of Project Completion: November 2011

Photography by Chris Ostlind