BAC Journal > BEST USE OF MASONRY MATERIALS

BEST USE OF MASONRY MATERIALS

2025/Issue 1
BAC Craft Awards

Best Use of Masonry Materials
Kankakee Welcome Center 
Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky
Signatory Contractors: Kwiatkowski Masonry, Inc.
Midwest Tile and Interiors, Inc.
Midwest Terrazzo, Inc.

use of masonry

The design of the Kankakee Valley Welcome Center, located in DeMotte, IN, combines masonry, tile, terrazzo, and marble to form a building that is not only beautiful, but also durable and functional. At the heart of the Welcome Center is the load-bearing masonry structure that utilizes block and ground-face block to provide strength.use of masonry 2

What truly sets this project apart are the serpentine walls that flow seamlessly throughout both the interior and exterior of the building, mimicking the natural waves of Lake Michigan and the rolling sand dunes that define the area.

3On the exterior, the walls feature three different styles of brick to achieve the wave effect. Inside, the Welcome Center continues the theme with stunning mosaic tile installations. The restrooms, with their marble finishes, add an extra touch of elegance and sophistication. The terrazzo flooring takes center stage, featuring an exquisite wave pattern in a variety of colors. It also incorporates the Indiana state logo, adding a unique local touch that makes this space truly one-of-a-kind. 

The Kankakee Valley Welcome Center seems to be in motion – its flowing patterns and harmonious design create a sense of movement that reflects the natural landscape around it. The integration of these different materials and crafts speaks to the seamless collaboration between the talented teams involved. The Kankakee Valley Welcome Center is not only a functional structure, but showcases BAC craftworkers’ commitment to creating beautiful, long-lasting buildings.