

Premier Tile and Marble, Inc., of Monterey Park, CA, was at the center of all the tile work. “The project encompassed an active mall that was open for business seven days a week, 364 days a year,” said Greg Games, president of Premier. “In order to complete the work while the mall was kept open, we were required to start and complete a specific area in the existing mall every night for over 14 months; and we had to disappear by opening time the next morning of each day.” To accomplish this task and keep to the rigorous schedule, Premier Tile and Marble installers used MAPEI’s Granirapid fast-setting mortar system and Ultracolor rapid-setting grout.

“We utilized every possible installation method recognized in our industry on this project, ranging from thinset over existing or new concrete to wire tie with mortar spots,” Games said. “The majority of the installation was stone tile set over existing terrazzo, ceramic tile and stone tile. Before any tile setting was done, though, we bead-blasted the existing surface in some areas and completely removed the surface in others. These areas then required a mortar infill to provide four-foot transitions out from storefronts. Approximately 95% of all the tiles were installed over crack-isolation and waterproofing membranes.” The tumbled stone and river rocks, as well as the Travertine, had to be sealed during installation. The work called for master craftsmen to set every size of tile from the 1” x 1” glass tiles to the 18” x 18” Travertine and 12” x 24” Marmonil limestone.

Turkish and South American Travertine tiles were used extensively for the first and second floors of the exterior expansion area. All exterior tiles were installed with MAPEI’s Kerabond/Keralastic mortar system for durability and grouted with Ultracolor grout to ensure color consistency and prevent efflorescence.
“This was a project that tested our skills, and the results clearly demonstrate the pride our installers take in their work,” Games said.