The CSPM is now three months into the HVAC renovation project, and we are excited to share the latest updates on this historic effort. Saunders Norwood Construction and its project partners have completed the demolition phase of the work. What was demolished was old equipment dating to the 1970s that was installed when the museum moved into the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. This includes air handling units, a boiler, ducting, and pipes. They also had to remove some wall sections to expose shafts where ductwork runs. The museum staff has been closely involved in this work to protect the collection and the building.
Short clip of the crane in action.
The largest components of the old HVAC system were located on the fourth floor of the historic courthouse. Back in August, a crane removed the old and decommissioned HVAC equipment. The removal of this equipment provided the contractors a better understanding of the existing conditions and space of the fourth-floor mechanical rooms. After demolition was completed, a three-dimensional scan of these spaces was conducted. This light detection and ranging laser (LiDar) scan provided a highly accurate 3D representation that the contractors used to ensure that all of the components would fit in the available space. The image below shows the new HVAC components (in blue) laid out in the one of the mechanical rooms. Making the equipment fit was quite a puzzle, and it took 21st century technology to make it all work.
In the 1970s, duct board was used in some parts of the building. As part of the decommission, the duct board was removed to make room for the metal ducts that will be installed. Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director and Hillary Mannion, CSPM Archivist gave a tour to the CSPM Acquisitions Committee. In the photo to the right, Matt is pointing to the new metal duct installed in the Story of Us: Pikes Peak Regional A – Z exhibit.
Completing demolition was a critical part of the HVAC Renovation. By finishing, Saunders Norwood Construction can progress to the next stages of the project.