Renovation of Harmon Hall
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Co

Project Highlights

A $19.3 million renovation of a 1957 office building comprising more than 89,000 square feet

Secured off-base leased office facilities during the 18-month renovation, and adjusted the task schedule to minimize transitional space leasing costs

Managed the demolition of the existing shell down to the structural components, including asbestos abatement

A team of 13 local contractors and subcontractors accrued over 160,000 labor hours without a single lost-time accident and finished six weeks ahead of schedule

Received an outstanding “Blue” rating from the client

Weston Solutions, Inc. (WESTON^®) was contracted to renovate Harmon Hall, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s administrative headquarters building and home of the Academy’s Superintendent and Cadet Wing. Built in 1957 and never having undergone major renovation, Harmon Hall was no longer adequate for the growing Cadet Wing and its support staff. In addition, its mechanical and electrical systems had reached the end of their useful lives, and it no longer met accessibility or applicable safety codes. The building has three stories plus a basement and sub-basement comprising a total of 89,199 square feet.

WESTON renovated Harmon Hall to meet the needs of its occupants and more properly reflect the building’s status as the home address for the site superintendent.

A Temporary Home for Displaced Office Workers

Before work could begin, it was necessary to secure suitable off-base facilities for 240 Harmon Hall personnel who would be displaced by the 18-month project. The WESTON team researched the local market, received competitive bids for three locations, and, through an internal real estate group, selected and negotiated the off-site lease of the Oracle building, located near the north gate of the Academy.

With the goal of minimal staff inconvenience and work disruption, WESTON coordinated and assisted the government with staff relocation, using the holiday period to relocate the majority of the staff. The Academy Superintendent and his immediate staff relocated to nearby Fairchild Hall, which WESTON had renovated months earlier in preparation of the Harmon Hall project.

The schedule for the Harmon Hall renovation was adjusted so that staff members could return to the building in a phased-in approach, floor by floor, to minimize the cost of the off-base leased facility.

Down to the Shell, and Back Up Again

The entire facility, with the exception of a few small, newly renovated portions, was demolished down to the structural shell, including removal of all architectural features, mechanical, electrical, and communication systems. Asbestos was encountered throughout the building in the floor tile and pipe insulation. WESTON performed contractual environmental quality control procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and permits for asbestos abatement, which included monitoring the air quality and clearance samples. Lead paint was also present and required abatement. The scope of the renovation included:

• Replacing the exterior curtain wall and restoring the historic exterior aluminum cladding trim
• Removing almost all existing interior walls and building new interior walls and ceilings
• Correcting certain code issues associated with Historic Preservation building elements
• Correcting accessibility deficiencies
• Providing new and updated interior finishes
• Providing structural improvements to comply with earthquake requirements
• Providing a code-compliant fire protection
• Replacing heating and cooling systems
• Replacing plumbing systems
• Replacing air handling equipment
• Replacing electrical systems
• Replacing fire alarm systems
• Replacing communications cabling
• Integrating force protection and security measures into the building
• Providing final landscaping

Keeping the Project Moving Forward

WESTON worked closely with the Academy project manager, architect, interior designer and contracting officer to resolve discrepancies. Although there were over 180 individual change identification notices resulting from design conflicts, changes, or differing site conditions that resulted in ten contract modifications, WESTON still executed the work according to the project schedule, completing all work 6 weeks ahead of the revised schedule.

Safety and client satisfaction are always the dominant concerns in any WESTON project. WESTON’s 13 Harmon Hall subcontractors worked for a combined total of over 160,000 labor hours, all performed without a single lost-time accident. The project received the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment’s Blue Rating of “Outstanding” for meeting the compressed schedule, quality, and safety requirements.