IWR Building Systems, a specialty contractor based in St. Louis, has completed installation of rolled-zinc wall cladding at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Grand Center building located at 3651 Olive St. The distinctive, gray ANTHRA-ZINC® material covers the entire building envelope of the 27,000-square-foot facility. With a 100-year service life, the zinc enclosure is likely to outlast the life cycle of the building itself.

“We are continually mindful of our environmental and economic impact during the selection of our products,” IWR General Manger Keith Myers said. “With sustainability in mind, this project is a good example of environmental stewardship made possible by our thoughtful team of professionals and suppliers involved at the local level and assisting us globally.”

Manufactured by VMZINC of Belgium, ANTHRA-ZINC® is a rolled-zinc wall system that provides a well-ventilated air space between the concrete surface of the building and the exterior rain screen to eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew growth and ensure sustainable performance. The natural, self-protecting property of zinc resists corrosion by developing a protective surface that regenerates throughout its lifetime and self-repairs imperfections and scratches. Zinc is an environmentally friendly product with 100-percent clear water runoff and indefinite recyclability, an ideal material for facilities desiring LEED credit.

Located in the heart of Grand Center’s flourishing arts and entertainment district, the new building houses the studio, offices and classrooms of UMSL’s St. Louis public radio station 90.7 KWMU and the Monsanto Community Education Center. The building, estimated at $12 million, was constructed by S.M. Wilson and Company and designed by WK+N and Chiodini Associates.

IWR Building Systems, headquartered in St. Louis, is one of the longest-standing specialty contractors in the United States focusing on the installation of metal and phenolic wall claddings. Working coast to coast since the 1940s, IWR installs products in virtually every industry ranging from the simplest to the most complex designs, particularly on higher or more complex elevations. IWR is a MHS Legacy Group company, a diversified national holding corporation also based in St. Louis with roots back to 1895.

For more information, visit www.iwrbuildingsystems.com.