Founded in 1952, Colorado Mesa University sits on over 141 acres in the heart of Grand Junction, Colorado, offering quality academic programs at various degree levels to more than 10,000 students.

On campus, a new bridge designed by architect Smith Group of Denver was built between the Maverick Center and the Maverick Pavilion that now connects an expanded indoor track above five new basketball/volleyball courts, a new classroom and an athletic training lab.

For the exterior of the bridge, CRW Inc. of Grand Junction field-fabricated and installed 6,650 square feet of Laminators’ Omega-Lite ACM panels using Laminators’ proprietary Dry Seal installation system. Overseeing the project was general contractor Asset Engineering LTD.

The charcoal gray Omega-Lite panels, distributed by Riddell & Company LLC of Castle Rock, Colorado, offer a highly decorative, strong and durable surface finish for exterior wall surfaces. Composed of a polypropylene, lightweight, corrugated core between two finished aluminum sheets, the panels are non-absorbent, water-resistant and easy to maintain.

The Dry Seal system is ideal for installing the Omega-Lite panels and creating a high-performance, pressure-equalized wall system that compartmentalizes the air cavity and allows for drainage and ventilation. The system reduces moisture-related issues within the wall cavity.

Omega-Lite installed with the Dry Seal system passed the AAMA 508 testing standards (Voluntary Test and Classification Method for Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems) and met National Fire Protection Association 285, Miami-Dade County Product Control and Florida Product Approval requirements. Laminators Inc. manufactures high-quality ACM panels that meet these stringent performance levels and provide design professionals and building owners with the confidence that their cladding will withstand the most extreme conditions.