Problem

Precast concrete was the basis of design to meet the building’s durability, height, and performance needs. The second-story offices and tall pickleball courts required a structural system capable of reaching the necessary heights while maintaining open interior spaces.

Speed to market was critical, but Eskola’s biggest concern was how the vision would translate beyond drawings for a completely new type of mixed-use environment.

“One of my biggest concerns was how the design would translate from paper to reality,” said Eskola. “We designed a completely new kind of mixed-use space, and there were important design decisions that we had no other points of reference to know how they would feel in reality.”

Solution

Recognizing the advantages precast could bring to the project, general contractor Bauer Design Build brought Fabcon onto the team to deliver a fully integrated precast concrete solution tailored to Forum’s unique structural and architectural goals.

Insulated sandwich wall panels with an integrally colored exposed aggregate exterior formed the building envelope. Two panel colors created visual interest, while architectural metal panels wrapped the entry wing walls.

The load-bearing panels eliminated the need for perimeter steel columns, creating open, unobstructed spaces for the pickleball courts and recreation areas.

Inside, connection plates were recessed and patched, and panels were painted directly—eliminating drywall. The smooth finish matched traditional interiors while offering greater durability for a gymnasium environment.

Results

The precast system delivered measurable benefits in schedule, cost control, and long-term performance. Off-site fabrication and rapid installation allowed the exterior shell to be erected in less than a week, accelerating interior work and compressing the overall schedule.

“Walls were on the critical path,” Eskola noted. “Fabcon’s speed of manufacturing and installation was instrumental to our business opening only seven months after we put a shovel in the ground.”

That accelerated timeline allowed Forum to open in March, near the end of peak season for many of its offerings, bringing revenue online earlier.

Architecturally, the integrally finished panels eliminated additional exterior trades while delivering a durable appearance. Structurally, the load-bearing design maximized open court space without perimeter steel. Internally, finished precast walls reduced material costs and improved long-term durability—helping transform a bold concept into a successful new facility in the West Metro.