Dero was thrilled to partner with the Chicago Fire Arts Center (CFAC), located at the historic intersection of 38th and Chicago, also known as George Floyd Square. The CFAC reached out to Dero for help in designing a bike parking solution that could be placed over their newly installed permeable pavers next to the parking lot. Since removing the pavers to install a concrete foundation wasn’t an ideal option, Dero offered a creative alternative.

Dero recommended a rail-mounted bike rack system. These racks are designed to “float” over surfaces like brick, gravel, or other materials that typically aren’t compatible with traditional bike racks. The team proposed using the Dero Downtown Rack, which boasts a square-tube design for enhanced strength and added protection against cutting. Not only is this design more secure, but it also offers a modern, distinctive appearance that sets it apart from standard round-tube racks. The Downtown Rack starts as a 2-inch square tube of high-quality, USA-sourced steel, which is then bent, welded, and powder-coated at Dero’s Lakeland, Florida, manufacturing facility.
After laying out the plan in AutoCAD, Dero recommended positioning the racks at a 45-degree angle. This placement minimized any interference with the rain garden to the north and nearby parking spaces to the south. The CFAC selected a bold orange powder-coated finish for the racks. However, the rails themselves were left with a galvanized finish, which is standard for Dero. Since the rails are in constant contact with the ground and exposed to water and Minnesota’s salty winters, a powder-coat finish could wear out prematurely. The galvanization process provides long-term protection against rust, ensuring durability over time.
These bike racks were generously donated to CFAC as part of Dero’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the South Minneapolis community, a place many of its employees proudly call home.