HVAC System Update - CSPM

HVAC System Update

Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director

In the coming months the museum will initiate a significant construction project to replace and upgrade the aging and failing HVAC system in the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. This is made possible by a significant commitment of funding by the City of Colorado Springs, CSPM Board, CSPM Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART) funding, and other contributors. The existing HVAC system was originally installed in the 1970s when El Paso County moved out of the building and turned it over to the City as a home for the museum. The boiler, air handling units, steam piping, and other components have reached the end of their useful life. Leaks and failures have become increasingly common and expensive to repair. Additionally, the system was never completed as designed, so some areas of the building are without ductwork for climate control systems. This means that those areas are not ideal for collections or exhibitions.

First floor piping repaired with plumbers tape.
First floor piping repaired with plumbers tape.
Fourth floor air handler and piping showing damage from persistent leaks.
Fourth floor air handler and piping showing damage from persistent leaks.
The John Ben Snow Gallery, located on the 3rd Floor, ceiling is currently damaged from persistent leaks. This gallery is currently closed to the public due to the ongoing risk from the ineffective HVAC system.
The John Ben Snow Gallery, located on the 3rd Floor, ceiling is currently damaged from persistent leaks. This gallery is currently closed to the public due to the ongoing risk from the ineffective HVAC system.

In 2019, when the museum was re-accredited by the American Alliance of Museums the reviewers found that HVAC and climate control issues were the only major deficiency facing the CSPM. This work will not only address that issue but will enable the museum to focus on expanding exhibition space for the first time since the 1990s. City and museum staff have selected Saunders Norwood as the general contractor for this project. This contractor was awarded the HVAC project due to their careful planning in their proposal and experience working in historic buildings.  We know that this work will be disruptive to museum operations, and we are already working to ensure we can continue fulfilling our mission and protecting the collection. Due to supply chain issues, construction is not expected to begin until next spring, but planning is well underway. We will provide updates on the schedule and its impacts in the coming weeks and months. This is a truly transformative project for the museum, and we can’t wait to get underway!

Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director

719.385.5636 | Matt.Mayberry@coloradosprings.gov