When it comes to building schools and multi-family housing, performance matters. You need materials that are strong, efficient, and built to last. And that’s exactly what hollowcore flooring delivers. At Mid-States Concrete Industries, we’ve helped educational and residential clients meet their design goals while improving long-term performance.

Here’s why hollowcore is a smart solution.

1. Span Longer, Build Smarter
Hollowcore slabs are designed for strength and flexibility. Their long-span capabilities reduce the need for support beams and columns, giving architects and engineers more freedom when designing gyms, classrooms, apartment layouts, and shared spaces.

Fewer interior supports
Faster installation and lower material costs
Ideal for wide, open layouts in schools and multi-family buildings

We’ve used hollowcore systems across a range of educational and multi-family projects to help create large, uninterrupted spaces that are both functional and future-ready.

2. Quiet Strength: Built-In Sound and Fire Protection
Sound control is essential in both schools and residential environments. Hollowcore naturally reduces sound transmission between floors, helping create quieter, more comfortable spaces for learning and living.

In addition to acoustic benefits, hollowcore provides excellent fire resistance, helping contain fire between units or floors and supporting safer building designs.

Meets sound control standards in educational settings
Helps reduce noise between residential units
Provides fire-rated floor assemblies for enhanced safety
Improves comfort and protection in classrooms, apartments, and common areas

Whether it’s student housing, apartments, or locker rooms, hollowcore makes a noticeable difference in both sound and safety.

3. Strength That Holds Up Under Pressure
Hollowcore slabs are built to handle heavy use. From gym floors and classrooms to high-traffic residential corridors and stair towers, hollowcore delivers strength without overbuilding.

Supports frequent use and live loads
Provides long-term structural performance
Keeps floor depth efficient without sacrificing capacity

University of Chicago Lab Schools: Chicago, IL

Across our portfolio of education and multi-family builds, hollowcore continues to be a go-to solution for durability, versatility, and lasting value.

Build with confidence. Build with Mid-States.
Hollowcore flooring delivers the strength, efficiency, safety, and long-term value today’s schools and multi-family buildings demand. If you're ready to explore smarter solutions, our team is here to help you get started. Contact us today at sales@msprecast.com.

At Mid-States Concrete Industries, we hear the same questions pop up time and time again. Is precast too expensive? Isn’t it just for parking garages? The truth is, precast concrete is more efficient, flexible, and cost-effective than many people realize.

Let’s clear up a few of the biggest myths.

"Precast is too expensive."
At first glance, it might seem that way. But when you consider the full project timeline and long-term value, precast often ends up saving money. It reduces labor costs, shortens the construction schedule, and keeps waste to a minimum. Because it’s made off-site in a controlled environment, installation is faster and more predictable. Less labor. Fewer delays. More control. That’s a smarter investment.
"Precast is only for parking garages."
Precast is ideal for garages, but that’s just the beginning. At Mid-States, we’ve supplied precast for schools, fieldhouses, mixed use buildings, manufacturing facilities, and more. Whether you need wall panels, hollowcore flooring, or an entire building, precast fits a wide variety of spaces. It’s strong, flexible, and built to perform wherever you need it.
"Precast can’t be customized."
Precast offers more design flexibility than most people think. Need a specific texture, finish, or pattern? We can do it. From Graphic Concrete and form liners to custom staining and finishes, we work with design teams to make sure the end result reflects the original vision, without compromising on performance. Precast is anything but one-size-fits-all.
"Precast is hard to coordinate with other trades."
With early involvement and clear communication, precast becomes one of the easiest systems to manage. Our Face-to-Face Solution helps align everyone from day one. We collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to make sure our pieces fit smoothly into the overall plan. The earlier we’re brought in, the better precast performs on your schedule.

Rethink what precast can do.
We’re here to help you explore smart, efficient, and durable solutions that support your project goals from the ground up. Have a specific question about a project or design challenge? Reach out! Our team is happy to talk it through and help you find the right precast solution. Contact us today at sales@msprecast.com.

Why Hollowcore Flooring Is a Smart Choice for Schools and Multi-Family Buildings

The Truth About Precast: 4 Misconceptions Explained