October 2025

MASONRY

In Every Stone/Brick/Block - A Story - A Legacy in Every Layer

The Block Design Collective launched in October, 2025 and released design resources intended to promote efficient masonry design. Simple resources include Block Bites on a variety of topics (crack control, fire resistance ratings, and thermal performance), design calculators, details and specifications, and guides.

On the Road Again

TMS Annual Meeting - Oklahoma City - October 14th - 18th, 2025

The Masonry Society’s Annual Meeting brought together engineers, architects, educators, students, and industry professionals for education, collaboration, and community. This year’s event featured technical sessions, TMS committee meetings (including TMS 402/602), networking events, and the Student Masonry Bridge Competition.

The MIM has been active with TMS where Phil Ledent services on the Board of Directors and as secretary of the TMS 402/602 committee. Other involved members include Albaugh Masonry, Burggrabe Masonry, Dailey Engineering, Inc., Masonry Accessories, Walkowicz Consulting Engineers, Wire-Bond, and Xtreme Mason Contractors. We focused on improving code provisions relating to anchored and adhered veneers, reinforcement details, and masonry lintels.

From the Desk of Phil Ledent

The Value of Value Engineering!

Connolly Masonry engaged the MIM to review the construction documents and design of St. Peter's Lutheran Gymnasium prior to construction. Through several meetings, the MIM was able to save the owner $24,000 in grout and reinforcement and accelerate the project schedule.

As we look at projects and opportunities to educate designers, we should be proactive and show how masonry can be the most cost effective option for projects.

Smart Design, Real Savings.

The Masonry Institute of Michigan was pleased to be a Sponsor of the

2025 Design & Honor Awards - October 17, 2025

AIA & MIM MICHIGAN M-AWARDS

And The Winners Are....

Congratulations

to the AIA & MIM Michigan M-Award projects this year:

1550 Woodward

(McIntosh Poris Architects)

-and-

Orchard Lake Schools new STEM Academic Building and Quadrangle

(Niagara Murano)

MIM Members

Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors and Clark Construction

helped make these projects a success!

ORCHARD LAKE SCHOOLS STEM ACADEMIC BUILDING AND QUADRANGLE

1550 WOODWARD

In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it - the Block Design Collective recently launched to investors. They're excited to continue marketing this resource to the AEC audience, and partner with the BDC team on targeting & content development moving into 2026. If you weren’t able to join, the recording can be found here.

National News

School safety coverage continued in September, with content sharing across industry publications:

ARCHITECT Magazine (feat. James Cain)

Why CMU Remains the Foundation of Safer Schools

Louisville Business First

The simple choice that delivers: Why CMU block makes sense for Louisville’s schools

Concrete Products

Block producers’ critical building safety lesson opens new school year

September’s New York Fashion Week offered the perfect backdrop for Beauty of Block. They chose Fashion Week as a hook for social media engagement and to lean into the messaging of the Beauty of Block campaign. Over two weeks they celebrated the elegance of CMU alongside high fashion, capturing attention across social media targeting architects—with top leading LinkedIn post reaching over 39,000 impressions alone.

In total, the posts were seen 125,000 times across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. They generated over 27,000 engagements for a nearly 30% engagement rate. This is significantly above benchmark on all platforms. But it doesn’t stop there - This momentum will continue to build as we retarget content to users that were engaged with the campaign.

Calendar of Events

November

5 Live Webinar - Structural Fundamentals: Masonry Notes, Details, and Prototypes Learn more here.

11 Generic Wall Design Committee Meeting (9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.) and Consumers Concrete plant tour

11 Live Webinar - CMU Embodied Carbon: Not all Concrete is the Same. Register here.

13 MIM Webinar - Typical Masonry Details and Specifications (1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.) More information here.

19 Live Webinar - Fundamentals of Balanced Design for Fire Safe Construction. Register here.

28 International Code Council 2025 Annual Conference and Expo

December

4 Generic Wall Design Committee Meeting (9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

9 ASTM Committee C 15 (Masonry) Meeting

11 Michigan Structural Masonry Coalition Annual Meeting

In September, RAC 3 generated 13,000+ impressions through targeted Business Journal placements. The Louisville Business Journal feature stood out, drawing 164 views and an impressive 86+ seconds of average dwell time, proving the content kept readers engaged. Biz Journals - Louisville News

LinkedIn, boosted posts made an even bigger impact—delivering 19,225 impressions and more than 2,600 engagements. That’s a 13.7% engagement rate, nearly double the platform average.

There’s lots more to come this year, but be sure to check out our events calendar for upcoming events in November and December.

Don't Just Take it From Us -

The MIM would love to feature your project in upcoming Newsletters, as well as on our website.

Michigan Masonry Design Trends – 2025

MIM members are leading masonry initiatives with innovative, climate conscious masonry design. Here’s what’s trending—

Large-Format Pavers & Panels

Modern, clean lines with fewer joints are ideal for Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. MIM member firms are using these in civic plazas and school courtyards to balance durability with design.

Mixed-Material Facades

Combining brick, stone, and metal adds texture and visual interest. Connolly Masonry’s recent work on the St. Peter’s Lutheran gymnasium addition is a prime example—layering materials to create warmth and strength.

Sustainable Masonry

Builders in Michigan are using more recycled blocks, water-friendly pavers, and local stone. These choices help protect the environment and meet green building standards.

Exposed Structural Masonry

Designers are celebrating the raw beauty of load bearing block and brick. It’s showing up in industrial style offices and community centers.

Outdoor Living Features

From fire pits to retaining walls, masonry is anchoring Michigan’s year-round outdoor spaces. In Michigan, we need to extend our time outdoors as much as possible! Hospitality venues and residential builds are embracing this trend.

Please contact: Anne Koch, Executive Administrator, anne@masonryinfo.org for more information and to submit information and photos!