QuarryHouse Stonework Unveiled at Yosemite Falls Reopening; Bay Area Stonemasonry's Work Prominently Displayed Throughout the $13.5 Million Restoration.

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. -- Today Yosemite National Park celebrates the completion of the ten-year, $13.5 million restoration project of Yosemite Falls in which Bay Area stonemasonry QuarryHouse's work is prominently featured. Lead by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, QuarryHouse teamed up with the Yosemite Fund and the National Parks Service to complete the largest restoration project ever undertaken in Yosemite National Park.

Stonework was an essential component of Halprin's plan to restore the natural habitat and create amenities that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, while supporting the flow of upwards of 3.5 million annual visitors. Master Stonemason Ed Westbrook and his team of skilled artisans were responsible for restoring the dominant stone presence at the Falls, including the construction of stone pathways and bridges, a new bus stop and restroom, an amphitheater, a network of benches and retaining walls, and natural stone constellations to direct visitors away from fragile forest and stream habitats.

"A major challenge of the project was to emulate the stonework of Works Project Administration stonemasons, who constructed the existing amenities in the 1930s," said QuarryHouse Founder and Executive Manager Ed Westbrook. "What resulted is a seamless union between the natural surroundings, previous stonework and new additions that will last several centuries instead of decades."

The project broke ground in June of 2002 and consisted of a stonemasonry crew of 30 members. With stonework accounting for $1.2 million of the total budget, QuarryHouse's contribution is an integral component of the restoration and preservation of Yosemite Falls.

Prior to the Restoration:

--The Falls experience started in an overly congested parking lot area

--Badly deteriorated paths caused congestion along the trails, leaving little opportunity to reflect and gaze

--Frustrated sightseers veered off paths, often destroying the natural habitat

Key Stonework Restoration Elements:

--Shuttle stop/visitor staging area at the eastern trailhead to better distribute foot traffic

--Amphitheater and a network of benches to serve as rest stops and key viewing points for both the Upper and Lower Falls

--Boulders to direct visitors away from vulnerable areas

--Paths to provide handicap access

--Restrooms constructed to blend with the natural surroundings

About QuarryHouse:

Since 1993, QuarryHouse has specialized in the "Art of Legacy," using both traditional and innovative techniques and stone building materials from around the world to create lasting structures, from luxury homes and gardens to public parks and monuments. QuarryHouse's team of artisans uses stone to create homes, countertops and fireplaces, as well as hardscape items for residential gardens and public outdoor spaces, including footpaths, fountains, bridges, walls and amphitheatres. Notable public projects include the National AIDS Memorial Grove, The Agave Trail on Alcatraz Island, Stern Grove Amphitheater and Lucasfilm's Letterman Digital Arts Center.