American Artstone Company Wins National Awards

NEW ULM, Minnesota (January 7, 2011) - American Artstone Company (Artstone) was presented with two national awards by the Cast Stone Institute at the 2010 Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida on October 7, 2010. Artstone was the recipient of the Architects Choice award for their work on the St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. Artstone also received a Hardscape Excellence award from the Cast Stone Institute for their work on the Peace Plaza project recently completed in Rochester, Minnesota.

The work on the St. Anthony Regional Hospital was completed under direction of the Architectural firm, Horty Elving & Associates, Inc. of Minneapolis, MN and General Contractor, Graham Construction of Des Moines, IA. The Masonry Contractor was Seedorff Masonry of Des Moines, IA. Artstone’s scope of work for the hospital included designing, producing, and shipping architectural cast stone products for the new surgery center and parking structure which required modular and panelized exterior veneer products as well as a unique relief sculpture of St. Anthony measuring 31-feet-10-inches tall and 10-feet-6-inches wide. Due to its enormous size, the 46,000 pound statue was produced and delivered in four sections. The hospital desired a look that would be recognizable by visitors. The cast stone veneer combines smooth and split face textures in blended colors to simulate natural stone. The huge signature artistic relief graces the side of the building which sits on a hilltop, overlooking the city.

The Peace Plaza project in downtown Rochester, Minnesota was completed under direction of Yaggy Colby Associates of Rochester, MN and the Contractor was Pember Companies of Menomonie, WI. The plaza replaced a section of city street to create a peaceful park-like setting near the Mayo Health System buildings, offering this bustling downtown a serene environment for visitors, employees and patients to relax and enjoy. Artstone designed and produced cast stone products which were used for creating light poles, planters, railing bollards and a large fountain which provides tranquility to the plaza.

The Cast Stone Institute defines cast stone as “a highly refined masonry product that provides ornamental or functional features to buildings and other structures.” Ingredients in cast stone include; “fine and coarse aggregates, Portland cement, mineral oxide color pigments, chemical admixtures and water," according to the association.

Artstone was founded in 1914 in a Fairfax, MN and continues operations today in a state of the art facility located in New Ulm, MN. Through skilled and creative workmanship, our artisans turn unique architectural visions into reality. Artstone's pride results in remarkable architectural solutions for our clients. Artstone management is proud of their craftsmen who continue to produce the highest quality, custom cast stone products available. These artisans are the reason Artstone has been “Setting The Standard Since 1914”. To find out more, visit www.american-artstone.com

Contact:

Greg Saterdalen, CSI

Business Development Manager

greg@american-artstone.com

507-381-2102 or 507-233-3700

Pictures available upon request. Call 507-233-3700.