Milestone: 200 Texas Cities Adopt Masonry Planning as Strategy for Ensuring
Safe, Attractive, Sustainable Communities, Says Texas Masonry Council
The adoption of masonry planning as a strategy for sustainable growth continues to gain favor among Texas cities, with 200 cities statewide now embracing the concept by adopting minimum requirements for masonry in new construction, according to the Texas Masonry Council. Waco, TX (PRWEB) January 28, 2014 — The adoption of masonry planning as a strategy for sustainable growth continues to gain favor among Texas cities, with 200 cities statewide now embracing the concept by adopting minimum requirements for masonry in new construction, according to the Texas Masonry Council.
The number of cities is about double the total of from five years ago, said Rudy Garza, TMC executive vice president. Although the number of cities is only about 16 percent of the 1,215 incorporated cities in Texas, the 200 that have embraced masonry planning are strategically located in the fastest growing regions of the state, Garza noted.
"This is where the growth is occurring," he said. "These 200 forward-thinking cities in the major metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, recognize that they have the power to determine whether the dramatic growth they are experiencing or potentially facing, will result in a safer environment and better quality of life for their residents."
On Jan. 13, 2014, the city of Troy, in Central Texas just north of Temple, became the 200th city in Texas to adopt masonry requirements and masonry planning as a strategy for sustainable growth. Troy anticipates a surge in growth with the widening of IH-35 between Temple and Waco.
In its resolution justifying adoption of the masonry requirements, the Troy City Council, like the other masonry-friendly cities, cited multiple reasons:
Masonry helps protect property values, provides for durable long-lasting structures, and helps ensure aesthetically pleasing structures and a stable tax-base;
Masonry is the preferred residential and non-residential building material for improved fire safety, lower insurance rates, increased property value appreciation, increased energy efficiency, and lower home
maintenance costs;
Building standards for non-residential construction will help attract high-quality commercial development and preserve property values.
An interactive map at http://www.masonryordinance.com shows where masonry planning has been adopted in Texas.
Let's Look Forward!
The Near - and Far - Future of Masonry
By Jennifer Morrell, Editor for MASONRY MAGAZINE
As 2012 leaves the building, here’s what I know: We have an industry full of people just as strong as masonry itself. No one can be certain of what the next four years will hold. But I do know that most of our industry weathered a hell of a storm during the last four.
Next year, whether we continue to bounce back or flatten somewhat, we still are far from where we stood in 2009 and 2010. Heads no longer hang down in despair and gloom when our staff attends trade shows, meetings and events. Companies are able to do what they do again, including looking to the future and what positive growth it holds.
The near future looks a lot greener than it once did. Sustainability is a real component to how we do business, and that will only strengthen, year after year.
The near future also looks more technical and digital than ever. From iPads on the jobsite to contractor software back at the office, we are working more efficiently. Social media gives companies unique identities and exposure. Building Information Modeling and the design-build concepts create maps and records for the life of large construction projects. Every project can have a pedigree, if the contractors so desire.
The far future is a little trickier, but it is in our hands. We need to promote masonry. Masonry needs to be everywhere. I have had big players – suppliers – in our industry ask me why masonry still is relevant. We need to use our passion about our industry to educate others at every turn.
The far future also will depend on our ability to keep skilled workers. High school and technical school programs are strong and commendable, but we need to increase this in all areas of the country. Skilled labor is a good thing, and we need it if masonry is to thrive.
Our industry isn’t without worry, but we are solid. Masonry is solid. Masonry isn’t going anywhere, and neither are we.
Come to the Northfield Open House July 24th, 2013
