This story began 20 years ago when Georgia Coatings applied Rhino Shield to the home of Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and current director of Atlanta’s King Center.
Nearly 20 years later, Dr. Bernice King was so impressed by the longevity of the original coating, she asked that the King Center be protected with Rhino Shield as well.
“Dr. Bernice King is one of the most amazing people I’ve met,” said Georgia Coatings and Rhino Shield Dealer Jeff Ecklund. “Just a down-to-earth person who’s very likeable. She was so impressed with how well the original coating on her home is still holding up, she asked us to help her protect the King Center, and we’re honored to have accomplished that.”
The MLK Center, located in Atlanta and established in 1965 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, is a place where people can visit the final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, learn more about Dr. King and his work through exhibits in Freedom Hall, and visit the King Center’s library and archives.
“The King Center is a national treasure,” said Georgia Coatings Roxanne Ecklund. “To be asked to help preserve and protect the Center is quite an honor. We knew Rhino Shield would produce lasting results.”
The job took careful planning and execution, as prep work and coating had to take place while the center was open. Jeff Ecklund said they had to do the work in stages in order to keep the center operational and leave room for visitors to move between different areas.
“This was a challenging job that took longer than normal as we worked carefully around schedules and people visiting the center,” said Jeff Ecklund. “There was a lot of planning and staging that went in this process, to be able to work without impacting the visitors in any way, and to ensure nothing was interrupted.”
In addition to protecting the stucco walls, the job also involved a lot of detail work including stenciled quotes on the walls, delicate seals, and planters and handrails.
“In addition to logistical hurdles, there was a lot of intricate details that needed special care,” said Jeff Ecklund. “We were also able to apply floor shield to the Center’s garage floor. It’s great when we can protect an entire property like that. I’m so happy we were able to be a part of that.”
Both Roxanne and Jeff Ecklund hold special memories of the center.
“Jeff and I were so moved by the somberness and calming nature of the King Center,” said Roxanne Ecklund. “That is a very special place, both educational and inspirational.”
*All images courtesy of Rhino Shield.
