Total Precast
The Center for Latino Economic and Talent Advancement
Overview
Located in the heart of West Michigan’s Hispanic community, the new Center for Latino Economic and Talent Advancement (CELTA) provides an expanded space for business development, workforce advancement, and community engagement. Designed to reflect Southwestern architectural influences, the 12,000-square-foot facility features bold geometric forms, warm earth tones, and distinctive precast detailing.
Project Details:
General Contractor
Erhardt Construction
Engineer of Record
Resurgent Engineering
Precast Concrete Specialty Engineer
Devita
Architect
Rossetti
Architectural Precast Brings Cultural Expression and High-Performance Design to a New Community Center
Insulated architectural precast concrete was selected to achieve the complex design while providing a durable, energy-efficient building envelope that could be installed within an accelerated construction schedule.
Problem
The project team faced the challenge of translating Southwestern-inspired colors and geometric forms into a distinctive architectural exterior while meeting strict performance and scheduling requirements. Projecting cantilevered elements, angled surfaces, and deep reveals required a versatile wall system capable of accommodating complex geometries without compromising durability. The building envelope also needed to provide effective insulation, moisture resistance, and a healthy indoor environment while minimizing long-term maintenance.
With construction approaching Michigan’s harsh winter months, the building needed to be enclosed quickly to avoid delays to interior work. A constrained urban site with limited storage and staging space added further logistical challenges.
Solution
Fabcon provided an insulated architectural precast wall system that combined exterior and interior finishes, insulation, and structural backing into a single assembly, reducing the need for multiple trades and conventional wall systems. Non-composite insulated wall panels accommodated the complex geometric design while allowing the architectural face to move independently, minimizing cracking potential.
A sandblasted, golden-brown finish created with locally sourced aggregates and white cement was complemented by light-colored, integrally cast Norman-size brick, reinforcing the building’s Southwestern-inspired aesthetic. The precast system also provided resistance to moisture and water vapor migration, supporting energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Locally manufactured panels and just-in-time deliveries minimized on-site storage needs and streamlined installation within the restricted site.
Results
The precast system accelerated building enclosure ahead of Michigan’s winter weather, allowing interior construction to continue and helping the project team maintain its required schedule. Integrating multiple building envelope functions into a single prefabricated system reduced on-site trades, simplified coordination, and minimized construction time.
The insulated panels provide long-term energy efficiency and moisture protection, while fewer joints and durable finishes help reduce ongoing maintenance and lifecycle costs. The completed facility demonstrates the architectural versatility of precast concrete, delivering a welcoming cultural landmark that combines distinctive geometric design, lasting performance, and efficient construction.
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