Maumus Center
Challenge Solved
Planning began in 2009 to convert the building into a multi-use science center, planetarium and museum. It involved restoration of the existing building as well as the addition of a new cafeteria, kitchen, planetarium and garden shed structures.
Maumus Center
710 Friscoville Ave., Arabi, LA 70032
Waggonner & Ball Architects | Gibbs Construction Co.
St. Bernard Parish School Board
This project was a restoration and addition to a building originally built as a public High School in 1929. It was purposed as a Red Cross shelter after hurricane Betsy in 1965. It has also served as a community center, theater and arts center. The building was heavily damaged during hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Planning began in 2009 to convert the building into a multi-use science center, planetarium and museum. It involved restoration of the existing building as well as the addition of a new cafeteria, kitchen, planetarium and garden shed structures.
Epoxy terrazzo work included a 3/8” system at the 1st & 2nd floor, with 4” & 6” straight precast base. Extensive epoxy mortar floor patch, moisture vapor treatment and epoxy crack isolation membrane was needed in the existing building. 21 samples were submitted and narrowed down to the final 14 formulas. A wide array of marble chips, recycled and exotic glasses, and natural Mother of Pearl aggregates were incorporated in the mix designs. The lobby included a 9’-0” x 22’-0” “Milky way Galaxy” motif using 7 color formulations. A self-supporting, monumental stair system was furnished by Wausau Tile and welded in place. Other block style treads were also furnished by Wausau Tile. With no access for cranes or forklifts, a series of rollers, pulleys, booms, and walk behind lifts were utilized in installing these stair pieces. ADA compliant ramps were installed on-site, including abrasive strips at the inclined areas and precast epoxy terrazzo panels for wall cladding. All precast epoxy terrazzo straight & curved base, and precast epoxy terrazzo panels were produced, fabricated, and installed by American Tile & Terrazzo Co. The curved Reception Desk top was also fabricated in our shop then installed and polished to 3000 grit Natural Finish, on site.
The exterior terrazzo work consisted of a 2½” bonded cementitious terrazzo system. 850SF including 2 colors were installed. The brass waterjet work included discs with reverse cut dates, time of day, month, and other indicators soldered to individual mesh backing. Over 1,000 1” diameter solid brass date markers were also installed. The mortar bed and terrazzo had to be “dead level” for this particular design. Layout was completed and checked for several months before final installation, to verify to accuracy of the Oculus. When viewed correctly, the Oculus will cast a beam