Colored Concrete Defines and Enhances New Retail Center

More and more, architects are specifying integrally colored concrete to add interest and defining detail to their designs. A recent Prairie project in suburban Plainfield, Illinois highlights the beauty and utility of this material.

The 27-acre Willowbrook Town Center, developed by Harlem Irving Companies of Chicago and designed by Camburas & Theodore Ltd. of Des Plaines, is the "biggest and best application of colored concrete we’ve undertaken yet," says architect John Bradshaw. "We are nothing but encouraged by the versatility and aesthetic of this product."

Bradshaw chose colored concrete for the sidewalks surrounding Willowbrook’s 25 stores to give the right pedestrian scale to the project.

"Sidewalks surround the bases of the stores and therefore tend to dominate the pedestrian's view," he explains. “The new colored walks, along with features such as planters, lighting and landscaping, give Willowbrook the look and feel of a true lifestyle center."

Bradshaw notes that while other sidewalk materials may also add color, none can match the durability, flexibility and economy of concrete.

Dennis Martin of Martin Cement Company – the concrete contractor for Willowbrook – agrees. "Integrally colored walks were a relatively inexpensive way to complement the architecture and enhance the overall look of the center. We've found the product to be user-friendly, and everyone has been pleased with the quality and appearance of the walks."

The Willowbrook pour incorporated 5,000 yards of concrete with 500 yards of colored sidewalks. Thanks to Prairie's unmatched delivery capacity, installation went off without a hitch.

Prairie's superior quality control ensures color consistency with every mix and smooth, timely delivery. In fact, we've been Chicagoland’s leader in integrally colored concrete for more than a decade.

Call Theron Tobolski at (708) 473-0117 for details on colored concrete for your next showcase project.