Scope Overview

This restoration project was a multi-faceted, multi-phased project that brought the iconic Union Terminal Building back to its 1930’s condition. Prus Construction led the project to restore the main plaza and fountain to the historical façade and fabric. The scope included removal of the historic fountain stone, demolition & removal of the entire plaza area, waterproofing of the structural deck below the plaza, reconstruction of the fountain concrete, and replacement of decorative concrete sidewalks to historical requirements.

Project Challenges and Mitigation Efforts

The project was complex from the start, as the look, colors, texture and shape had to match the original Art Deco style, but with new, more durable products. The structure includes a unique, intricate, seven-layer fountain with variable heights and hardscape on a roof. The teams worked through seasonal complications and other restrictions, as the Children’s Museum remained open during construction. In total, Prus poured over 4,000 cubic yards of Ready Mixed Concrete for the Union Terminal project, with almost 3,000 cubic yards going to the fountain and plaza. Prus worked with and created more than twenty concrete mixes for the job, five times more than an average project. Many of the mixes had not been used in the market. Prus and the team worked for many months on the design to form, place and finish it. They used Prus’ concrete lab and created test samples to ensure they matched the original color and finish. The mix design experimentation also included sealant, which sometimes changes the color of the concrete. It took several iterations of trial batches and mixes to get the 1930’s Art Deco design with modern products that would last longer. The team created small batches and then full-sized mockups before starting full production. The plaza and fountain were restored to the fabric and façade of the original 1930’s Art Deco style. It was completed on time and within budget. The project was also recognized as “Project of the Year” from Ohio Concrete in November 2018.

In total, Prus poured over 4,000 cubic yards of Ready Mixed Concrete for the Union Terminal project, with almost 3,000 cubic yards going to the fountain and plaza. Prus worked with and created more than twenty concrete mixes for the job, five times more than an average project. Many of the mixes had not been used in the market. Prus and the team worked for many months on the design to form, place and finish it. They used Prus’ concrete lab and created test samples to ensure they matched the original color and finish.

The mix design experimentation also included sealant, which sometimes changes the color of the concrete. It took several iterations of trial batches and mixes to get the 1930’s Art Deco design with modern products that would last longer. The team created small batches and then full-sized mockups before starting full production. The plaza and fountain were restored to the fabric and façade of the original 1930’s Art Deco style. It was completed on time and within budget. The project was also recognized as “Project of the Year” from Ohio Concrete in November 2018.