Community Projects with Astro Metal Craft
When we tell customers our shop is located in Hanover, MN, the next question we hear—nine times out of ten—is: “So… have you eaten at Big Bore?”
Of course we have! And our favorite follow-up line is: “You know what’s just as good as their food? Their railings.”
That’s usually when we get the look—right before we explain that Astro Metal Craft proudly built the interior and exterior railings during Big Bore’s renovation.
We love being part of a community filled with strong local businesses, organizations, and causes. Since making our home in Hanover in 2013, we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to contribute to projects that support and strengthen the place we call home.
Big Bore Railing Renovation
We recently met with the owner of Big Bore to talk through their goals and vision for improving the restaurant’s interior and exterior spaces. Their existing railings needed a upgrade that could stand up to the heavy daily traffic of a busy restaurant.
Astro designed and fabricated roughly 60 feet of custom railing, built from mild steel and finished in-house with a sleek black coating for long-lasting performance.
Big Bore was also expanding its outdoor space, so our team provided a full package of safety and functionality upgrades: new stair railings, fall-protection rails in two key areas, and a custom drink-rail to make the outdoor environment more comfortable and usable for guests.
From field measurements to fabrication to final installation, Astro handled the project end-to-end—delivering a clean, cohesive look that matched Big Bore’s vision and could stand up to the demands of their growing customer base.
Crow River BMX Railing Fence and Speaker Boxes
In 2023, the St. Micheal Crow River BMX track hosted the Land O’ Lakes National Championship for the first time in 25 years. With such a recognizable race coming to town the track was due for a few upgrades. Our connection to Crow River BMX is deeply personal. Many of our employees are actively involved with the track, either as volunteers or racers, making this a project close to our hearts. Our team fabricated and installed a new picket railing fence and a state-of-the-art audio system speaker boxes throughout the course.
The St. Micheal track is built into a hill allowing fans can see every part of the track from the viewing area. The 240-foot steel fence is a vital safety measure, providing fall protection on top of the track’s retaining walls, which are 12 to 14 feet high. This durable and high-quality fence ensures spectators can safely enjoy the action, even from areas right next to the turns—a unique feature of this track.
In addition to the fall protection, our custom-fabricated aluminum speaker boxes allowed for the track to have a permanent and year-round audio setup. This eliminated the hassle of setting up and taking down equipment for every race. Our contribution to these community projects improves the course’s safety by creating an engaging and professional experience for everyone who visits the track.
New Tee Boxes at Pioneer Creek Golf Course
Just a short drive away, we had the pleasure of working on additional community projects for Pioneer Creek Golf Course in Maple Plain. The course’s management wanted to update their 18- hole course tee box signs to better match the natural environment.
We fabricated the new tee boxes and posts from weathering steel, a material chosen for its distinctive rustic appearance. This type of steel is designed to develop a beautiful, rusty patina over time when exposed to the elements. This patina isn’t just for show; it acts as a protective layer, making the signs durable and able to withstand harsh Minnesota winters. As the seasons change, the signs will continue to age gracefully, becoming a seamless part of the landscape.
We handled the installation from start to finish, ensuring each sign was securely anchored for long-term stability. The local community project has already been a hit with local golfers, who praised how well the new signs fit the course’s feel.
Building a Stronger Hanover Together with Community Projects at Home
From improving the dining experience at Big Bore to supporting local athletes at Crow River BMX and adding beauty to Pioneer Creek Golf Course, Astro Metal Craft is honored to serve the places our community calls home. We believe that by working together, we can help our local organizations and businesses thrive, creating a more vibrant and connected community for everyone.
Want to learn more about our local and national projects? Visit our Astro Metal Craft website or contact us today!
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