LEO A DALY expertise on adaptive reuse featured in The Military Engineer
Design leaders explore successfully implementing adaptive reuse on even complex federal projects like the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa
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LEO A DALY Federal Account Lead Aaron Wilt and National Director of Engineering Kim Cowman coauthored an article in the March/April 2025 issue of The Military Engineer.
They shared the benefits of adaptive reuse of underutilized structures in creating efficiency and cost savings. And they discussed methods for successfully implementing adaptive reuse on even complex federal projects. Adaptive reuse, or revitalizing an existing building for a new purpose, can enhancing a building’s functionality and extending their lifespan. This method not only conserves resources but also contributes to urban renewal by integrating modern amenities into historic settings, thereby fostering economic and social growth in communities.
“With an aging building inventory and rapidly evolving mission needs, many federal facilities could use a reconsideration of highest and best use,” they wrote in the article. “Retrofitting existing buildings for something other than originally intended offers options for better achieving operational and mission objectives.”
Wilt and Cowman cited the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa, converting a vacant downtown Tulsa office complex into a 53-bed inpatient hospital for veterans. The project overcame several design challenges to create a successful conversion that will serve the veterans of Oklahoma.
Wilt is a retired colonel with experience including managing multimillion-dollar programs and projects, leading cross-functional teams, facilitating relationships, and driving team success. In his 27-year Air Force career, he most recently served at the Pentagon before joining LEO A DALY.
Cowman, PE, LEED AP, HFDP, leads engineering and sustainability across LEO A DALY. Cowman’s responsibilities include technical advancement, strategic planning, leadership and management. A talented engineer and leader, Kim works closely with our integrated teams to ensure design excellence.
Read the article on The Military Engineer website: Providing Benefits Through Adaptive Reuse of Federal Assets.