"We wanted to achieve a technical-type feel to the building - consistent with a referral medical practice - which also has an inviting, soft appearance for the people bringing in their animals," explained Architect Gary Beeman of Brinkley Sargent Architects. According to Beeman, this design goal turned out to be a difficult task, which required extensive research in choosing the proper stone. "We looked at several types of stone, using Stone World as a reference," said Beeman. "We also looked at buildings which used the same 8- x 8-inch modules and bricks that this building needed. From an aesthetic standpoint, we wanted a range in material, a textured look at different angles and a nice feel. Durability was needed as well."
After deciding the criteria for selection, the architects chose natural cleft Terra-Cotta sandstone, which was quarried in India and supplied by Amsum & Ash/TBA INDIA Inc. of Minneapolis, MN. "We wound up choosing this stone because it fit all our standards in an affordable manner," Beeman said. In addition to the sandstone, Riviera Beige limestone was used as an accent material.