In the spring of 2022, Carolina Bomanite Corporation was invited to collaborate with Landscape Architect Ron Cutlip to assess a project at Statesville Christian School in Statesville, NC. The primary objective was to evaluate an aging walkway and explore ways to enhance an outdoor seating area frequently used by students for lunch. This space also served as the ticketing and concession hub for sporting events held on the adjacent field. With the area functioning as both a gathering and high-traffic zone, it was crucial to find a solution that blended visual appeal with lasting durability. The existing site presented uneven surfaces and outdated materials, creating both safety and aesthetic challenges. Carolina Bomanite’s expertise was sought to transform the space into an inviting, functional, and long-lasting feature for the school community.
Reinforcing Routes and Recognizing Donors
After donations and design planning, construction kicked off in January 2023 with the first phase: rebuilding the sidewalk. Originally completed as an Eagle Scout project, the existing pathway had deteriorated due to a lack of proper footing. Many bricks had become loose, creating a hazardous walking surface. Given the budget constraints, the decision was made to reconstruct and reuse the pathway and CMU block wall components, reinforcing them with a proper concrete footer before installing a textured, imprinted sidewalk. To honor contributors, three future donor plaque walls were incorporated into this phase, along with integrated wall lighting to enhance visibility and ambiance.
Plaza Perfection and Promenade Planning
As work progressed, additional funding allowed for the expansion of the original scope, incorporating the Lion’s Plaza promenade, a covered picnic area, and composite deck platforms for students to gather. With this expansion, Carolina Bomanite had to address elevation challenges—the site’s natural slope had a seven-foot grade drop, making leveling a necessity. To correct this, a concrete support wall was constructed in the curved shape of the new Lions Plaza. The school also requested a gas fire pit with blue glass, adding a warm and inviting focal point. Meanwhile, extensive drainage modifications were implemented, including rerouted pipes, French drains, and low-voltage wiring for lighting. Given the presence of a treasured large shade tree, washed stone backfill was used to protect shallow roots and maintain soil stability. Fortunately, a nearby quarry, located just a half mile from the school, made sourcing materials efficient and cost-effective.
Tiered Transitions and Textured Treatments
To create a smooth and structured flow, the project incorporated a two-tiered transition from the picnic area to the main walkway. Synthetic turf was introduced to soften the look and feel of the space while breaking up large expanses of concrete. The upper level was designed to maintain easy access to the restroom facilities at the side of the building. Once the main promenade walkway was installed using Bomanite Slate Texture, attention turned to the spirit rock entrance, where old asphalt pavement was removed. To maintain design continuity, Bomanite Slate Texture imprinted concrete was used here as well. The entire plaza was then prepared for Bomanite Micro-Top XT, part of the Bomanite Toppings Systems, with careful color-matching samples and testing leading to the selection of a vibrant red, ensuring a near-perfect match to the school’s colors once sealed.
School Spirit and Stunning Surfaces
At the request of Head of School Ben Hummel, core values and the school’s logo were added to the main promenade, further strengthening school pride. To work around the summer heat, Carolina Bomanite’s crew adjusted their schedule, shifting to nighttime installations in August. A dedicated four-man crew worked tirelessly from midnight to early morning over several weeks. The process began with the white banding application, followed by the red infill, both applied in two coats using rollers. After the base layers dried, the entire space was sealed twice before the graphics were meticulously applied using additional layers of Bomanite Micro-Top XT. The intricate school logo proved to be one of the more challenging details, but with the skill and precision of veteran detail specialist Gary Barnhill, it was successfully completed in just two days. The entire graphics installation took approximately two months, factoring in cure times.
Bomanite Micro-Top XT: The Ultimate Upgrade
When it comes to revitalizing tired surfaces without costly demolition, Bomanite Micro-Top XT is a game-changing solution. As a high-performance, polymer-modified topping, this versatile system adheres to almost any surface—including concrete, wood, metal, and tile—creating a seamless and customizable finish. Unlike conventional resurfacing, Bomanite Micro-Top XT eliminates the need for tear-outs, offering endless color, texture, and pattern possibilities. Whether enhancing indoor retail spaces with a sleek modern look or reinforcing outdoor plazas with superior abrasion resistance and weather durability, this innovative overlay delivers lasting beauty and performance. Plus, its quick application process minimizes downtime, making it ideal for high-traffic environments that demand both functionality and aesthetics.
Award Winning Decorative Concrete
Carolina Bomanite Corporation’s expertise and dedication were recognized with the 2023 Best Bomanite Toppings Systems Project – Silver Award, highlighting their exceptional craftsmanship and structural innovation. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured precisely placed sawcut control joints, seamlessly integrating functionality and visual appeal. The team also navigated existing site conditions, preserving a large shade tree with innovative drainage solutions and concealing multiple underground power and drainage lines. The result? A vibrant and dynamic plaza that serves as a hub for students, faculty, and visitors. From the cozy fire pit for cool football nights to the shaded picnic area casting school colors against the pavement, every element was designed with purpose and pride. Thanks to the superior craftsmanship of Carolina Bomanite Corporation, this transformed space will serve as a lasting legacy for generations of students to enjoy.