Infographic: West Block Masonry

West Block Masonry

• Construction Manager – PCL
• Masonry Trade – RJW / Gem Campbell

Interesting facts

At the peak of the masonry rehabilitation, over 200 masons were working on site each day.

RJW / Gem Campbell used 62 apprentices, including 18 women. This is the highest ever recorded in North America (IUBAC masonry union).

Facts about the Masonry

• 140,000 masonry stones make up the West Block
• 14% of the masonry had to be replaced
• 45% of the masonry was dismantled and rebuilt
• 3,000 tons of sand were used
• 108,000 buckets of mortar
• 28 chimneys and 2 spires were dismantled and rebuilt

3 types of stone make up the West Block’s exterior

Nepean sandstone:

• Facades – background
• Original – Nepean, Ontario
• Current – St. Canut, Quebec

Berea sandstone:

• Dressed/sculptural elements
• Location – near Cleveland, Ohio (Berea formation)

Potsdam sandstone:

• Red – arches above windows
• Location – near Malone, northern New York State (Potsdam formation)