SESSER - With the help of a concrete-engraving process, something old is
becoming something (almost) new again in Sesser.
Entryways to the Historic Opera House and its adjacent restaurant have a new
look today, thanks to My-Crete Engraving.
The Marion business specializes in engraving concrete; that is, engraving a
pattern into existing concrete, owner Dean Newell said.
"This gives you an option if you don't want to tear out the old concrete. It
gives a decorative look to the old concrete pad and it's a lot cheaper than
ripping it out," he said.
The concrete is cleaned, engraved with whatever pattern the customer wants,
stained and sealed.
Sesser Mayor Ned Mitchell said the process was an inexpensive way to spruce up
and make more durable the entryways to the opera house and restaurant, both
owned and operated by the city.
"We tried everything else. It was painted originally, but paint doesn't want to
stick to concrete. We had two types of indoor/outdoor carpet and everything in
the world stuck to it. We were constantly cleaning it," he said Wednesday. "We
ran into this process through a friend and decided to give it a try. This is
going to look beautiful when it is finished."
The concrete dates back to the original construction of the Opera House back in
1914, Mitchell said.
"We didn't even know it was cracked until we pulled up the carpet. And you can't
repair cracks in concrete; the cracks always show up again. They can incorporate
the cracks into the design. It's very cost-effective for us," he said.
A typical 25-by-10-foot pad costs less than $700 to engrave.
Newell said his company opened about a year ago and business is booming.
"We are staying extremely busy, mostly with residential customers," he said. "We
do interior and exterior work. And people can get creative. We did one in
Shawneetown where we put a Chevy emblem in a man's driveway. He loves his
Corvette."
The entryways will be ready for foot traffic today.
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