Schweiss Counter Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame | Schweiss Must See Photos
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Schweiss hydraulic doors inducted into Louisiana Hall of Fame

bifold liftstrap 50 ft door has a glass panel

The Louisiania Sports Hall of Fame Museum in the Historic District of Natchitoches is situated within a complex of seven historic French Quarter buildings that have become icons of New Orleans. The Schweiss 14 ft. 11.5" x 11 ft. 5/8" custom-made one piece hydraulic doors are located on the lower and second levels of the new Sports Hall of Fame and used to bring exhibits in and out of the building. (Photo: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

Two Schweiss hydraulic aluminum-framed one piece doors

The two Schweiss hydraulic aluminum-framed one piece doors had some special applications. The architects called for a custom fabricated flat hinge design with pleated copper panels that control light. This was in order for the doors to blend into the wall, making it look like there actually wasn't a door there when it was in the closed position. An emergency battery system was also added to the order in case of a power outage in the building. (Photo courtesy of Avallone Architectural Specialties)

The headline is a bit ambiguous, but it sure sounds good. In all actuality, there really are Schweiss Hydraulic one piece doors on the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame — they were installed there, not formally inducted, and are for functional applications, not for sporting accolades. Just the same it's still an honor for them to be in this new and long awaited sports complex where visitors from all over the world come to pay homage to their Louisiana connected sports heros.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame opened its doors with a grand red carpet reception attended by throngs of inductees and sports fans on June 28, 2013. The beautiful 27,500 square foot museum is located downtown at 800 Front Street in the Historic District of Natchitoches. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum is an entertaining and inspirational experience for visitors of all ages.

The vision of a true museum home for the state's all-time greats was outlined well before the state Hall of Fame was created in 1958. The first formal discussion came in a 1950 writers' meeting in Lake Charles. Although plaques were presented to 41 Hall of Fame honorees and induction ceremonies conducted for the shrine members each year, there was no permanent display, no location to develop, until 1971, when Natchitoches and Northwestern State embraced the concept.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum are now open in a dazzling $23 million museum complex in historic downtown Natchitoches. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame's collection of portraits and memorabilia will celebrate this year the achievements of more than 310 legendary Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures. Other sports-themed exhibits and interactive media trace the history and importance of sports to life in Louisiana.

closeup view of the lower level hydraulic doors

A closeup view of the lower level hydraulic doors reveals the tight fit of the door to the building making it appear as if there isn't actually a door there. Attractive silver posts were placed in front of the doors to keep vehicles from parking too close to the door. (Photo by Mark J. Sindler/Louisiana State Museum)

Football quarterback legend Y.A. Tittle was the first Natchitoches inductee in 1972. Other notables, just to name a few include Ervin "Magic" Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Bernie Bierman, Vida Blue,Terry Bradshaw, Lou Brock, Karl Malone and Archie Manning. The inductees include people in all sports imaginable from horseracing to softball and even sports writers. It's a hall of fame for the state's greatest athletes, men or women, amateur or professional, living or dead.

The 30-member Hall of Fame Selection Committee of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association annually conducts a two-month review process before electing eight new members to the Hall of Fame. Sports figures must be retired or inactive in their discipline for at least three years before they can be considered. Athletes in lifetime sports, such as golf, become eligible when they reach the age of 50.

Avallone Architectural Specialties firm in Shreveport, Louisiana was awarded the bid for the two Schweiss one piece hydraulic doors that went into the first and second floors of the new building. The exterior doors are opened to bring exhibits in and out of the museum. The doors outer cladding, like the building, has pleated copper panels that control light, views and ventilation and they blend seamlessly into the exterior of the building.

"This is a stand-alone facility. Comparatively speaking the building kind of looks like a space ship on its own island so to speak. The city that it is in and the buildings all around it are all historic, 200 years old," noted Louis Avallone a Construction Documents Technologist with Avallone Architectural Specialties.

Avallone is a Construction Documents Technologist with avallone Architecutral Specilaties and Project Manager Gina Offutt co-managed. Micah Toups was the Senior Installer.

Upper-level hydraulic door at the Sports Hall of Fame

The upper-level door at the Sports Hall of Fame has pleated copper exterior panels to control light, views and ventilation. Additional light and ventilation comes when the hydraulic door is partially or wide open. (Photo courtesy of the Louisiana State Museum)

Two Schweiss custom-made one piece hydraulic doors, each measuring 14 ft. 11.5 inches wide x 11 ft. 5/8 inch tall were made especially for this project. The actual clear opening height of the door is 10 ft. 2 1/8 inches.

The Schweiss hydraulic aluminum-framed one piece doors had some special applications. The architects called for a custom fabricated flat hinge design. This was in order for the doors to blend into the wall, making it look like there actually wasn't a door there when it was in the closed position. The doors were windloaded to 90 mph, exposure B specifications. An emergency battery system was also added to the order in case there would be a power outage in the building.

Avallone said he became familiar with Schweiss doors over a period of many years and has used Schweiss doors in the past.

"The doors have lived up to their expectations. I do think they are well made," said Avallone. "My experience working with Schweiss Doors was good. It was a tough job for us because of the complexity and uniqueness of the design. We weren't always happy with the way that it turned out in terms of cost and other factors, but those weren't related to Schweiss in any way. Brent (from Schweiss Doors) was always there, willing to pick up the phone, take the call, reply to emails. He definitely is an asset for your company to say the least, He was always very professional, responsive and that meant a whole bunch."

The first floor of the new museum occupies the Hall of Fame. The second floor showcases Louisiana's sports paradise, a blend of sports history and culture, along with the Northwest Louisiana Regional History Museum.

Louisiana Museums collection now totals more than 450,000 artifacts

Founded in 1906 with a mission to collect, preserve, interpret and present the state's rich history and diverse cultures, the Louisiana Museum's collection now totals more than 450,000 artifacts and works of art. These provide an authentic experience of Louisiana to visitors from around the world. (Photo by Mark J. Sindler/Louisiana State Museum)

The Hall of Fame collection includes color portraits of the members and a collection of items such as footballs, baseballs, bats, gloves golf clubs, helmets, shoes, jerseys and other memorabilia contributed by Hall of Fame members and their families. Internationally known sportsman Grits Gresham and his wife Mary have a collection there showcasing hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

The general contractor for the museum project was VCC. With over a quarter century in the construction industry VCC is a unique construction services provider that works with clients around the entire country and the world. With experience working in all 50 States, VCC stands among the best when it comes to personal, intelligent service for all construction needs. No project is too big or too small for the VCC team.

VCC has extensive experience in the following areas: Pre-construction, Design-Build, General Contracting, Construction Management, Consultation, Value Engineering,Contract Delivery, and Design Review: Pre-Construction Services. VCC has offices in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia and Texas. An international office is located in Brazil.

Hall of Fame accepted into state museum

Greatest athletes of Louisiana

Ervin "Magic" Johnson's #40 basketball jersey is just one of many famous sports figures memorabilia to be seen inside the hall of fame. Other notables include Y.A. Tittle, Shaquille O'Neal, Vida Blue and Terry Bradshaw. It's a hall of fame for the state's greatest athletes in all sports and includes men and women, amateur, professional, living and dead. (Photo by Mark J. Sindler/Louisiana State Museum)

The Hall of Fame was accepted into the Louisiana State Museum system in the 2003 state legislative session, setting the stage for the state and city of Natchitoches to develop the long-awaited shrine. Today's local and state government leaders have played crucial roles in advancing the project.

The Northwest Louisiana History Museum explores the evolution of unique cultural traditions from early native-American civilizations to the present. The 27,500 sq. ft. building itself, designed by Trahan Architects of New Orleans, evokes the region's rivers and plowed fields with sinuous molded stone interiors and earth-colored exterior sheathing.

"Those doors are quite impressive. The museum itself was named one of the 10 best new projects in the world by an architectural publication, Azure magazine, for 2013," said Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland.

"Any metropolis would be proud to have such a powerful building. What's great is that this new museum is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a population of just 18,299, Trahan Architects of New Orleans also managed to build a stunning landmark while respecting the two-storey structures that surround it," noted Azure architectural magazine.

Collections of the Louisiana State Museum include the Visual Arts Collection which is divided into three categories: paintings, works of art on paper and photography. The New Orleans Jazz Club Collections include instruments, photographs, recordings, film, pictorial, sheet music and other iconic symbols. The Costumes and Textiles Collection has one of the largest and finest costume and textile collections in the United States. The collection ranges from late 18th century to the present with the majority of objects having a Louisiana provenance including quilts, household textiles, uniforms, flags, and carnival costumes.

Bottom-level Schweiss hydraulic one-piece door

The bottom-level Schweiss hydraulic one-piece door gives easy access for loading and unloading exhibits at the Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of the Louisiana State Museum)

Other collections deal with Science and Technology consisting primarily of tools people have used to shape their environment dating from the 16th to the 20th century. A Decorative Arts Collection in New Orleans encompasses furniture, ceramics, glass, and metals. Its emphasis is on Louisiana-related artifacts from 1790 to 1890. The Louisiana Historical Center housed in the Old United States Mint in New Orleans, opened its doors in January, 1977. In addition to maps and manuscripts, the Center houses sheet music, microfilm, scrapbooks, pamphlets, and newspapers.

The Louisiana State Museum maintains a substantial collection of Louisiana and non-Louisiana related edged weapons, firearms and regulative and protective devices. While some are important merely because of their technical attributions, others have an association with important Louisiana military battles, individuals or places used.

The edged weapon collection contains over 200 items. The firearms collection consists of over 200 items from late eighteenth century French pistols to World War II semiautomatic weapons. Many of these items date from the nineteenth century and were used in either the Battle of New Orleans or the Civil War. Manufacturers represented include: The collection has several Potsdam rifles that were used in the Civil War, including those used on the catafalque of Jefferson Davis.

Artillery pieces include a Spanish cannon originally mounted at Fort St. John (known as "Spanish Fort"). It was used in the American defenses at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and then once again defended the city against Admiral Farragut's fleet in 1862. It was sunk in Bayou St. John after the city's capture, but was raised in 1872 in order to return it to Spanish Fort as a display piece.

Partially opened hydraulic door on the second level

This partially opened hydraulic door on the second level gives a good view of the parking area outside. Strong hydraulic cylinders lift the door quickly and the interior sheeting gives it a clean look. (Photo courtesy of the Louisiana State Museum)

A Napoleon 12-Pound bronze cannon is one of 100 light, 12-pound, bronze guns manufactured in 1863-64, for the U.S. Government. Cannons of this type and caliber were generally referred to as "Napoleon guns," and were introduced into American artillery just before the outbreak of the Civil War.

Battle of New Orleans Cannon: This four-pounder gun is thought to be French-made and sits on a reproduced naval carriage. It is believed to have been used on the left American line in Battery Number 6 or 7 during the Battle of New Orleans.

Louisiana Hall of Fame and State Museum hours

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm. Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm. School and group tours may request early arrival. Closed Monday and state holidays. Admission includes all exhibitions. In partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the City of Natchitoches, The Louisiana State Museum is proud to present this new family-friendly attraction to the public. For more information visit their web site at: www.crt.state.la.us or phone 318-357-2492.

Avallone Architectural Specialties LLC

Avallone Architectural Specialties is a privately held company based in Shreveport, LA and also have an office in Baton Rouge. They have been suppliers of specialty products and subcontractor of doors, frames, finish hardware, and architectural Specialties, including labor services, throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, east Texas, and southern Arkansas for the past 38 years.

They specialize in building and design solutions, from hollow metal, wood doors, finish hardware, skylights, overhead doors, folding partitions, toilet partitions, toilet accessories, expansion joint assemblies, and canopies to detectable warning tiles, smoke containment systems, and integrated door assemblies.

Avallone Architectural has done other notable projects at the University Medical Center $1 billion new hospital complex in New Orleans and have also worked on Manning's Restaurant in New Orleans owned by the Manning football fame family trio of Archie, Eli and Peyton Manning.

Since 1976, their philosophy has been that it's not as important what you get from hard work as much as it is what you become from it. Their headquarters office is located at 815 King Pl., Shreveport LA 71115, (318) 797-4331. A second location is at 2900 Westfork Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (318) 841-1270. For more information visit their website at: www.avallone.net

A large skylight allows plenty of natural sunlight into the Hall of Fame

(Photos: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

intricate architectural design of the sinuous molded stone

Looking at the intricate architectural design of the sinuous molded stone interior of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, not to mention the beautiful exterior and glass entryway, you can see why this building designed by Trahan Architects of New Orleans was chosen by Azure architectural magazine as one of the top 10 best in the world for 2013. (Photos: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

The interior features sinuois molded stone

(Photos: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame's collection of portraits, exhibits and memorabilia

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame's collection of portraits, exhibits and memorabilia celebrate the achievements of more than 300 legendary Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures. (Photo by Mark J. Sindler/Louisiana State Museum)

The entrance to the Luisiana Sports Hall of Fame

(Photos: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

The top of the staris leads to the exhibit area

(Photos: Tim Hursley, Courtesy of Trahan Architects)

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A slick, new 75' x 80' farm shop with special lighting, in-floor heating, a huge 40' door and a burgundy and beige color scheme is getting all sorts of attention on the farm of John Dulin, Kenton, Ohio. "The contractor that sold me the building has people coming here every week it seems to check out the building and especially that big hydraulic door. So it's a real treat for me and my farming partner son Dana, to show them the works," explained Dulin, who is also maintenance manager for six school buses in their local special education district.
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Two bifold doors were on his Wayzata, Minn. home when he and his wife, Nancy, purchased it from a previous owner several years ago. He referred to the doors as "a bonus and attractive feature" and believed the architect chose the bifold style of doors for aesthetic reasons.
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The Carriage House on the lakeshore property of Sid Morris, Cornelius, NC is very likely the most unique in America! It doesn't house horses and horse buggies. It doesn't house antique autos. Instead it houses his R44 helicopter. And that chopper gets to the Carriage House by first landing on a helio pad on the end of his 200' dock. A small electrically driven dolly then gently lifts the chopper with operator then guiding the chopper to its proper stall inside this remarkable 4-star carriage house.
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At 27 years of age, film maker/artist/author Travis Wood appears to be adding architectural design to his intriguing resume. Evidence of this new dimension is a most unique structure, a combination studio/guest house that he and his father are constructing on their vacation property on Martha's Vineyard, hugging the south shore of Massachusetts.
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Hugging the southwest corner of Long Island, New York, Brooklyn's earlier identity was mostly hitched to Coney Island beach and the Brooklyn Dodgers of baseball immortality. Today the city is enjoying a renaissance of rediscovery by artists, retailers, ambitious contractors and creative landscapers including the Andre Kikoski Architect firm which just wrapped up the complete renovation of two empty, abandoned warehouse buildings on 22-28 Wyckoff Ave.
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Consolidation is that aggressive word which has been enveloping agricultural business for several years now. In simple terms, it results in fewer but bigger. And that certainly is the recent history of the farm implement business, which used to pride itself on having eight, 10, even 12 or more dealerships per county. Today three or four farm equipment dealers per county is more the usual. But ownership of farm implement stores today often includes multiple locations throughout an entire state.
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Flying since he got the bug when working the fishing canaries in Alaska, Eric Hutchins, Grand Rapids, MN, has a rather diversified agenda these days. For example he runs a year-round Dairy Queen in this bustling tourist center town. He also does some part-time law enforcement work and occasionally flies fire detection with the MN DNR. When time permits, high on his agenda is getting together with his snowmobile buddies for a few miles through the beautiful lake and woodland country of Itasca County.
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In September of 2009, we started the rehabilitation of Hanger 155 at Chippewa County International Airport in Kincheloe, MI. Our first step was to remove 60 years worth of lead paint from the existing steel substructure and miles of asbestos-containing material. When the building was safe to work in, our demolition subcontractor started on the roof system.
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It's big, 43,500 square feet. It has a special floral display unit out front courtesy of the employees and the general contractor. You walk into an 'eye catching' 100' x 160' 'Consumer Display' section complete with a 10' high shelf showcasing various John Deere 'consumer goods'. And greeting you at the retail counter is a colorful prairie scene with an old country barn, woodlots, fields of corn and wheat plus a depiction of the original 1-bottom plow that launched the John Deere machinery company. A show place of sorts? Yes, indeed.
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Well, it's all of the above for 62-year-old Daniel Shaw, a plumbing contractor at Geneva, Fla. Who has given new meaning to the term "hangar home." The structure is 50' wide x 60' deep x 30' tall, all metal/ However, a 45' x 15' Schweiss hydraulic door sporting a wrap-around porch with decorator railing, table and chairs, a "walk through" door with stylish window, and veranda "roof" gets your attention.
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Schweiss Hydraulic and Bifold Doors recently installed four new hydraulic doors at the Renville County Fairgrounds located in Bird Island, MN. The Renville County Board approached Schweiss looking for a way to open up the event building located at the county's fairgrounds. The event building is used to host live bands, beer gardens and public auctions by Henslin Auction Services. Hydraulic doors seemed like the perfect solution to open up the building and allow easy access to the building for large groups of people.
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We're no longer just selling iron. Today we're selling precision farming products and that requires special training of both our personnel and our farm customers," says Paal Haug, general manager of Haug Implement with stores at Willmar and Litchfield
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The creativity of customers continues to be a driving force for many manufacturers. Take for example North Star Imaging, Inc., a Rogers, Minnesota manufacturer of industrial x-ray systems which are enclosed by a radiation shielding cabinet and access door and used by manufacturing firms in the aerospace, military, automotive, medical device, electronics, even the genetic seed industry and many more.
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How do you make the loading dock area for your store secure, yet still easily accessible and stylish? This Target store in North Carolina found the answer with two 39' x 17' bifold gates for their loading area. Give us your idea and we will get you the door.
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What looked like a near impossible situation without some totally new engineering design instead turned out to be a remarkable solution to an extreme challenge. The challenge? How to fit a "roof door" over a 20' by 30' sandblasting chamber used by SMS Millcraft, Oil City, PA. This firm specializes in refurbishing component parts for various Pennsylvania steel mills.
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It is rare that an Air Tractor dealership changes hands. It cant be done without an approval from Air Tractor, Inc. This requirement became all too apparent to Bill Taylor of Farm Air in Fairfield Illinois. Bill was starting to think about retiring from the business he formed in 1976. Shortly after forming Farm Air, Bill saw a need for Air Tractors in the Midwest, and approached Air Tractor about becoming a dealer. Over thirty successful years later, Bill decided it was time to sell Farm Air with its Air Tractor dealership intact.
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This custom set of Schweiss Bifold Doors was the perfect solution to provide a unique dining experience for this restaurant's patio bar customers.
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