Drop-Dead Display

About two years ago, the folks at Musselman & Hall Contractors of Kansas City, Mo., decided that simply showing architect and engineering clients photographs

About two years ago, the folks at Musselman & Hall Contractors of Kansas City, Mo., decided that simply showing architect and engineering clients photographs of its product offerings simply wasn’t good enough. At the beginning of 2006, the company began a six-month renovation project of a long-vacant, two-story apartment complex, converting it to a 5,000-sq.-ft. product showroom and a 1,500-sq.-ft. office mezzanine and presentation area.

Known in the Kansas City metro area as an old-line contractor, Musselman is one of the premier original licensees of the high-end decorative concrete brand Bomanite, which is featured prominently as part of the new showroom. According to Dexter Phillips, Musselman’s vice president of architectural concrete, 33 different Bomanite patterns are on display, making it one of the largest all-indoor facilities of its type in the nation. In total, the showroom features anywhere between 200 and 300 samples of stamp patterns, colors, textures and toppings. Eleven pours from local supplier Geiger Ready Mix were required to complete the showroom floor, with Musselman adding its own Bomanite Integral Color to the orders.

Phillips said that in addition to Musselman employees Paul Keohan and Dan Kroesen Û both of whom were project managers for different phases of the construction Û outside assistance on the showroom came from Tom Carr of Helix Architecture, who assisted Phillips with the showroom layout; Sarah Baird of Nearing Stats Perlogar and Jones, the architect for the office and mezzanine; and, Darryl Hawkins of Innovative Design & Renovation who helped secure the permits. Also assisting was Brad Smith of OMNI Concrete Design, which handled the concrete countertops and assisted with a 3,100-lb. conference table slab cast from white cement mixes (photo, page 12).

Client and prospective client reaction to the showroom and merchandising has been extremely positive, says Phillips. He adds that Musselman also routinely arranges lunch and learn presentations qualifying participants for American Institute of Architects continuing education credits.