Masonry Magazine July 1962 Page. 6
YMCA
Masonry Means
Beauty, Control
Of Maintenance
The Des Moines, Iowa, YMCA, a masterpiece in the art of masonry, was completed in 1959. Dedicated to the development of mind and body in the life of youth and adults, the structure cost $3,895,771, including land and furnishings. More than 7000 individuals and firms contributed to make it a reality.
The blend of masonry in the Des Moines, Iowa, YMCA has resulted in a functional building of unique beauty. Designed for maximum use at low cost, the friendly building attracts groups of all ages and varied interests. In addition, substantial savings are predicted through low-cost maintenance.
How were these achieved? Expensive supplementary decoration was eliminated through successful patterning of face brick, slate, ceramics, and clay face tile, as well as other materials. Through use of masonry materials, the structure will realize savings in maintenance over 20 years at 48¢ per sq. ft.
A breakdown of the building shows how extensively masonry was used in gaining this goal:
In areas of heavy traffic glazed brick as part of the decorative scheme and as a means to call attention to specific flow areas were used. This is an economical way to get permanent decorative effects.
The Y's lobby, perhaps the room that gets the most wear, is walled with frosty wire cut brick and wood, with a slate floor, materials easy to clean. The lunch room, another area of extensive use, has a floor of quarry tile and walls of ceramic tile. Quarry tile, brick,
Viewing a large ceramic tile mural depicting "Boy's Book of Knowledge" are International officials of B.M. & P.I.U. (from left) Harry C. Bates, President Emeritus: Thomas F. Murphy, Secretary; George W. King, Treasurer, and William R. Conners, First Vice President. The idea for the murals was conceived by Bill Wagner, a member of the architectural firm of Wetherell and Harrison, Des Moines, and the designs were executed by Ston Hess, professor of Art and Head of Drake University.
MASONRY July,