Case Study: PLK Corporate Office
Preserving Architectural Character Through Custom Masonry Design
Background:
Located within Factory 52 in Norwood, Ohio, the PLK Corporate Office is part of a transformative redevelopment project built on the historic grounds of the former United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) campus. Once one of the nation’s leading playing card manufacturers, USPCC operated at the site for more than a century before relocating in 2009, leaving the 26-acre facility abandoned for more than a decade.
Recognizing the site's historical significance, PLK Communities led the redevelopment of the former industrial complex, preserving several of its most iconic structures, including the Clock Tower, Factory Building, Shipping Facility, and Power Plant Smoke Stack. Today, Factory 52 honors the site's industrial heritage while transforming the historic campus into a modern destination for living, working, dining, and entertainment.
The Challenge:
When designing the PLK Corporate Office, the project team faced a unique challenge: designing a modern corporate building that would seamlessly integrate with the historic character and architectural aesthetic of the surrounding structures. Achieving this vision required careful material selection, precise architectural detailing, and skilled masonry craftsmanship.
PLK partnered with Shoemaker Masonry Construction and Reading Rock to develop a masonry system that reinforced architectural continuity while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and material performance.
The Solution
Developing a Custom Brick Blend
A key component of the project was creating a brick façade that reflects the material character of the existing historic buildings. Reading Rock worked closely with Shoemaker Masonry Construction to create a custom three-brick blend that achieved the desired aesthetic while maintaining a cohesive and timeless appearance.
The final blend consisted of:
Custom RockCast Elements
To further support the building's architectural vision, the project incorporated several RockCast ready-shape and custom-shape profiles including:
Reading Rock collaborated directly with the architect, mason contractor, and PLK team to develop detailed drawings and profiles for each element. Through a series of design reviews and setting drawings, the team ensured that every component aligned with the building's desired visual and performance requirements.
One example of this collaborative process is the custom base panel setting drawings developed during the design phase. These documents established panel dimensions, placement, and installation requirements.
Construction Execution
Beyond just creating the three-brick blend, the masonry team developed a carefully coordinated installation pattern to ensure an even distribution of each brick type across the exterior. This detailed approach added depth, texture, and subtle variation while maintaining a balanced and unified overall finish.
The RockCast panel drawings were used throughout installation to guide placement and ensure the design intent was carried through construction. This supported proper alignment and integration of the RockCast elements within the building, allowing them to blend smoothly into the finished structure.
The Result
The PLK Corporate Office successfully integrates a modern building within the historic context of Factory 52. The custom brick blend and RockCast elements create a cohesive exterior that reflects the site’s industrial heritage while maintaining a distinct identity.
Through the combination of a custom brick blend, thoughtfully designed masonry patterns, and custom RockCast architectural elements, the project demonstrates how quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and strong collaboration can bring a design vision to life.
Reading Rock is proud to have partnered with Shoemaker Masonry Construction and the PLK team on a project that will serve as a lasting architectural presence in the Norwood community for years to come.
Congratulations to Shoemaker Masonry Construction
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