FOUNTAIN PLAZA IS REBORN-SANS FOUNTAIN

Facilities Support Services (FSS) is rejoicing with the completion of the 
renovation project of the former fountain plaza at the Mesa Lab.  The 
fountain never worked properly and was retired from service in the 
1970s.  Project manager Bob Heichelbech faced a number of challenges 
in converting the area midway between the ML cafeteria and the east 
towers to an attractive, usable space.

First, a concrete mix had to be found to match the existing Mesa Lab 
exterior.  The aggregate used in the original ML construction and in 
other remodels was tinted by rock acquired from regional quarries that 
have since closed.  Architect Jack Bell (see page 4) reviewed numerous 
samples before the proper aggregate mix was found, and several test 
pours were done before approval of the final color.  The good news:  
because this mix incorporates ordinary, readily available products, the 
time-consuming procedure of color matching will not have to be 
repeated in future Mesa Lab projects.

Since this plaza serves as the roof for part of the first basement, it 
required a moisture barrier just as any other roof does.  A waterproof 
membrane was placed underneath the poured concrete, topped with 
drainage channels, and backed up below by insulation.  The entire 
plaza is designed to drain into the old fountain sump, a depressed pit 
in the center of the plaza.  Installing and sealing the membrane in this 
sump was made difficult by several area drains located in the sump and 
numerous corners and angles. The patience of the staff who occupy the 
offices under the plaza was constantly tried while the membrane was 
being sealed and tested; plastic sheets covered desktops and chairs each 
night.

Once the membrane was proven watertight, the difficult task of 
pouring concrete began.  This had to take place while keeping the 
membrane and drainage boards intact.  Concrete pouring is not an exact 
science, and the final product depends very much on the weather 
during pouring as well as on the variables in the concrete mix itself.  
Sandblasting insured that the texture and surface of the concrete 
matched that of the rest of the ML exterior.

FSS would like to thank the Mesa Lab staff for their patience during 
this project.   We hope the new plaza will be enjoyed by all.  -Pat Harris, 
FSS manager