University School Library

Nashville, TN

Mason Contractor: WASCO, Inc.
Architect: Everton Oglesby Architects PLLC

Project Description

The University School Library is located at the corner of Edgehill and 21st Avenue in Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee.

While the masonry styles used when building the library are unique to most structures being built today, they were common to the old world masonry architecture of yesteryear. True Flemish bond stands out as the predominate masonry theme throughout the building's exterior which is highlighted with herringbone brick panels. Ornate cast stone decorates the entire structure creating an effect of both crown and dental molding around and throughout the building's exterior.

The challenge for the masons was to ensure that the new building, located on the private school's campus, simulated the old world craftsmanship prevalent on the older existing structures. Incorporated in the building's design were flat brick, jack arches above the windows requiring wedged shaped brick cuts. While these decorative masonry patterns were relatively common in the designs of older buildings, they are rarely used in architectural masonry today, therefore, the unique masonry, along with the plentiful ornate stone used on the building, required meticulous craftsmanship when bringing all of the building's masonry together.

The masonry contract for the project was approximately $456,500.