Project profile: Greater Midland Community Center

By Duro-Last. 

Learn how this local company refreshed the cornerstone of their community and won an award along the way. 

In Midland, Michigan in 2024, one cornerstone of the community needed a little help. Their community center, which has offered recreational, social and fitness activities and services to all members of the Midland community, was in need of some repairs. The original facility was built in 1919 and the current space, which had been redone in 1954, was due for another refresh.  

And so, a plan was devised to create a new 140,000 square-foot facility. The plans outlined spaces for classrooms, meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a track, recreation areas and a swimming pool. Once the community raised the funds, local and family owned business Brandle Roofing and Sheet Metal was brought in to start work. For Jason and Geoff Brandle, co-owners of Brandle Roofing, this project meant a lot. The duo grew up in Midland and had spent a great deal of time at the Community Center throughout the years. Jason explained, “This new building is special to us because it’s in our hometown, we have memories here.” 

When they began working on this special project, the Brandle team knew that they wanted to use Duro-Last products. What they couldn’t have predicted was being on of Duro-Last's 2024 Edge-to-Edge & Deck-to-Sky™ Award winners!  

The project was originally specified for a TPO roof, but Brandle Roofing was able to transition the project to Duro-Last by developing a competitive proposal that demonstrated the quality of Duro-Last’s locally manufactured products. The installation process itself was a feat of precision and coordination with the construction team at Michigan-based Clark Construction.  

To start, the Brandle Roofing team mechanically fastened two layers of 2.6-inch ISO insulation above the steel deck to achieve the R-30 insulation value required by Michigan code. An air barrier was then adhered to each section of the roof, extending up and over the parapet walls to ensure full coverage. Special attention was given to the swimming pool area, where the self-adhering Duro-Last Vapor Barrier was also applied to prevent moisture buildup. On top of this foundation, Brandle Roofing mechanically fastened Duro-Tuff 60 mil tan membrane. Finally, fully adhered wall flashings and 6-inch EXCEPTIONAL Metals AllTerm metal edge were used to streamline the installation process, helping the crew complete the 128,000 square-foot project in just two months despite challenges posed by rain and cold winter days. 

For Brandle Roofing, the Community Center project was more than just another job. It was a way to give back to the community that has supported its business for more than 40 years. "We were very fortunate to be involved in this project right in our own backyard," said Jason, noting the connection between Brandle Roofing and Duro-Last as a crucial element in the success of the project as well as a source of pride to use locally sourced materials. 

With an average crew size of five-to-10 roofers on-site, Brandle Roofing worked diligently to ensure the installation met all project deadlines while maintaining the high standards of quality for which they are known. The result is a comprehensive roofing system that not only enhances the energy efficiency of the new building, but also provides exceptional protection with a 20-Year NDL warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for the Community Center’s owners. 

See the incredible project yourself below! 

Original article and photo source: Duro-Last