U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel
The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel is undergoing a $158 million renovation to extend the life of this Modernist architectural icon.
LEO A DALY has been selected to serve as historic treatment specialist providing historic materials supervision in association with contractor JE Dunn. Preservation guidance and recommendation services address structural reinforcement, rehabilitation of historic materials, finishes and organ restoration.
Construction crews began by dismantling the chapel piece-by-piece to address the failed building envelope and resulting water penetration that has plagued it since its construction in 1962. The structural tube steel systems will be reinforced. Exterior metal panels will be replicated to match original historic cladding. Each panel and every section of Dalles de Verre stained glass will be removed, cleaned, repaired and reinstalled. Woodwork and pew finishes will be cleaned and refreshed. Thousands of pipes that make up the Walter Holtkamp organs will be taken off site for restoration.
The significant work will force the closure of this national historic landmark until 2023.
Second photo: Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy of the Gates Frontiers Fund Colorado Collection, Library of Congress
Client
At a glance
Preservation of national historic landmark
Structural reinforcement
Historic materials and finishes
Organ restoration
Features
Dalles de Verre stained glass will be removed, cleaned, repaired and reinstalled
Off site restoration of thousands of pipes that make up the Walter Holtkamp organs
Reinforcement of structural tube steel systems
Exterior metal panels replicated to match original historic cladding
Services
