"Since about 1990, Hico has been actively pursuing the development and renovation of three blocks of Main Street, promoting economic growth and revitalizing the historic charm of the community," said Jerry Webb, the architect who designed the project, which was sponsored by the City of Hico Economic Development Corporation.
While the stone bandstand was a natural focal point for the street, it was unprotected from the elements, and its attractiveness was diminished by an adjacent street light pole, he noted.
The solution was a metal canopy made from concave copper panels, manufactured by Custom-Bilt Metals.
"The canopy was designed to provide shelter for the bandstand, while fitting around the existing street pole," explained Webb. The individual tapered panels of 20 oz. copper were furnished by Custom-Bilt's Arlington facility and installed by David Stephens Roofing, Arlington, a specialist in copper roofing.
The copper panels were installed over a concave octagon-shaped structural steel framework using concealed fasteners to provide a smooth, unblemished finish. Copper batten caps were installed at each seam, with an expansion cap on top of the canopy to allow for deflection of the street light pole.
"David Stephens is a true craftsman and a master at his trade," said Webb.
Custom-Bilt Metals, in business since 1974, currently stocks more than 2,000 different items in its 15 national locations. It supplies standing seam metal roofing systems fabricated from steel, aluminum or copper, Kynar-finished steel tile, steel shingles, aluminum shake, and steel or copper shingles. Contact them at 9845 Joe Vargas Way, So. El Monte, Calif. 91733; 800-826-7813.
