SKOKIE, IL—The Detroit Opera House has selected AZEK Pavers to transform its “Sky Deck,” with spectacular views of the city, into an outdoor entertainment and events venue. Manufactured by AZEK Building Products, AZEK Pavers are made with up to 95% recycled content. They install up to three times faster than traditional pavers on a unique grid system and are about one-third the weight.
As a non-profit, the Detroit Opera House rooftop project was funded by a private donation from Northville, MI, residents Lee and Floy Barthel. According to Jason Warzecha, Director of Operations, 9,800 square feet of AZEK Pavers, in Boardwalk and Redwood colors, were quickly and easily installed by the Theater’s maintenance staff.
“The AZEK Paver installation allowed our four-person team to finish the job in two weeks without any issues,” said Warzecha. “It would have taken months with traditional pavers.” He noted the pavers are much easier to engrave, and 25 engraved pavers in the center of the patio are dedicated to the Barthels’ generosity.
The building’s 360° view includes the Fisher Theater, Detroit Tiger’s baseball field, and other scenic marvels. “It’s truly one of the best views in the city and now our patrons have access to it,” says Warzecha.
Constructed in 1922, the opera house’s original gravel and tar roof remained unused. “The gravel was uncomfortable to walk on and the surface was uneven, so when it rained there were puddles,” said Warzecha. “We love the AZEK Paver patio – it’s a much more forgiving surface. And we know it will last a long time with little maintenance.” He was impressed that AZEK Pavers added little weight to the project with no wet saws or special tools needed for installation.
The crew used EnkaDrain 3801® drainage mats under the pavers, once the substrate was evened out. The mats lay flat and the breathable fabric allows water to pass through from top to bottom, preventing stagnant water from collecting underneath.
Already a popular venue for weddings and private parties, the newly beautified Sky Deck opens up a new source of revenue and should pay for itself rather quickly, according to Warzecha.
“The AZEK Paver patio adds an exciting new dimension to the Opera House’s ability to entertain and host events, with views you cannot find anywhere else in the city,” he added.
For more information, visit www.azek.com/products/pavers. For info about the Detroit Opera House, visit www.michiganopera.org.
About AZEK® Building Products
AZEK Building Products manufactures home building materials under two divisions: TimberTech® and AZEK Exteriors®. TimberTech offers a premium portfolio of capped polymer and capped composite decking – as well as railing, porch, lighting and paver products – while AZEK Exteriors manufactures distinctly unique trim and moulding. Together the brands present homeowners, builders, architects, dealers and contractors with a comprehensive suite of first-rate products that are long lasting, sustainable alternatives to wood. AZEK is headquartered in Chicago, IL (with plants in OH and PA) and also owns Minneapolis-based Ultralox railing systems.
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