Concrete Preservation Institute at Alcatraz

Concrete Preservation Institute – Field School at Alcatraz

Chemistry at work—preserving instead of demolishing iconic structures on Alcatraz Island

The Concrete Preservation Institute (CPI), in partnership with the National Park Service, conducts field school on Alcatraz Island in which several CPI participants use BASF’s Master Builders Solutions materials to restore the iconic structures.

Learn how BASF and the CPI school work together to preserve Alcatraz Island.

BASF's Robin Bellamy consults with field school participants.

“I’ve learned more about concrete this summer than I ever thought I’d know about concrete, that’s for sure.”

- Cory Alexander, a student from Shawnee, Kansas, who joined CPI right out of the Army

“Restoration takes you back to something else; it puts you into somebody else’s mind state. That’s one of my favorite things about being out here.”

- Julie Mostafa, a college graduate from Jersey City, N.J., who studied architecture and concrete industry management at NJIT

“Concrete is everywhere, you can't have human society without concrete.”

- Destin Carter, an Army veteran from Memphis, Tennessee

Alcatraz - a place of learning

The challenges of the concrete repair industry have grown in recent years.

See how we inspire the next generation

A strong partnership: The Concrete Preservation Institute & BASF

BASF joined this partnership as the founding sponsor of the Field School on Alcatraz, providing materials, financial support and technical training.

Learn more about our partnership

Chemistry through construction, innovation & sustainability

This project reflects innovations in the chemical industry and meets the growing demands of the construction industry—all the while doing it sustainably.

Learn more about innovations in sustainable construction

Unique challenges

Accessible only by boat across the turbulent waters of San Francisco Bay, the restoration of the facilities on Alcatraz Island has presented a number of unique challenges.

Learn more about working on the island

Preserving Alcatraz Island for future generations

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay has captured the imaginations of many as it has played an important role in the development of the West Coast of the United States, as well as the nation as a whole.

Alcatraz Island timeline

Get involved - Find out more

Interested in the training program? Want to make a donation or become a sponsor? Other questions about our partnership?

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