An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Renovations to historical building complete

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Peeling lead paint and unreliable heating and cooling are enough problems to create an uncomfortable and hazardous work environment, but these were just a few of the issues the 375th Contracting Squadron had to endure in Bldg. 52 for 14 years.

After ten months in construction and $1.5 million in renovations, the historical building was complete Jan. 3.

"There eventually could have been health issues, and there were some safety issues that had to be taken care of," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Showers, 375th CONS contracting specialist.

Hazardous materials, such as lead based paint and asbestos, were found inside the building before reconstruction.

Essential assets for any work place to function were in need of repairs or completely replaced.

"The heating and cooling system barely worked at all," said Rodney Brown, 375th CONS contracting officer. "We continually had to have HVAC (heating ventilation and air-conditioning personnel) out here working on it."

Many of the improvements were made to increase safety and working conditions such as an up-to-code electrical system, improved fire detection system, heating and cooling systems and centralized alarms. Also the stairwells have been enclosed allowing them to be used as a fire escape.

"To install all of the major projects, we had to remove a lot of the walls and ceilings and reconstruct them based on the new design," said Brown. "In doing that, we re-did the interior of the building."

The focus was to present a professional appearance while maintaining historical value of one of the oldest buildings at Scott Air Force Base.

"Our facility is often the first place contractors visit when they come to Scott," said Lt. Col. Eric Duncan, 375th CONS commander. "Having a professional, business-like facility helps establish a favorable first impression and conveys our expectations of quality and professionalism for our tax dollars."

Previously certain windows couldn't be opened, because they were sealed shut with lead based paint.

"All the windows were refurbished," said Showers. "The contractors took them out and sent them away to get the paint stripped, so all of the windows that are in the building right now are the originals."

To achieve what they wanted, they contacted eight local contractors. From there, the contractors proposed various preliminary designs that they thought fit what they wanted.

"We selected the contractor that we thought would give us the best bang for the buck," said Brown.

"Being the customer for once is challenging," said Showers. "You want to make it the best without showing off, but everyone is looking at us expecting us to have the best since we are contracting."

Once the 375th CONS had chosen the right contractor, they drew up the 35 percent designs, which was essentially the designer's suggested layout of where the walls and restrooms were going to be in the building.

The 35 percent design grew to a 65 percent design, then to a 95 percent design until finally a 100 percent design was made. As the design grew, more and more essential elements of the future building were added gradually to ensure the building was exactly what the 375th CONS wanted and needed.

During renovation of Bldg. 52, the 375th CONS was relocated to Bldg. 530.

"The morale of everyone working here is definitely higher now," said Showers. "After being in Building 52 and then staying in Bldg. 530, we appreciate this new building."