According to Miriam-Webster the definition of temporary is: lasting for a limited time. The team at Golden Public Works Department really pushed the boundaries of that term when they operated in what was deemed a temporary office space for nearly 20 years. But their patience and perseverance finally paid off last summer when they moved into a new permanent facility.
Golden Public Works has been recognized as one of the most innovative departments in the country; USAID named the department a leader in the Public Works profession and hundreds of other cities have implemented its programs. The department’s new facility, a structure that began its life as a vehicle maintenance and storage facility, is as cutting edge as the department itself.
Ascent’s role in this project included overseeing the addition of a new building facade and coordinating the structural issues involved in the remodeling process with the City, its architect and the General Contractor. Our team also played an instrumental role in selection of the appropriate sheathing for the existing metal building. Due to the natural flex in a metal structure, it was decided that a material of similar character was needed for compatibility. This led to the use of a metal insulated panel that could be attached directly to the girts. These panels consist of a factory interior and exterior finish, and the ability to install window openings after the panels are installed. This reduced labor tremendously. Once installed, these panels provided an actual R-20 value in a 2-3/4” thickness, thus also proving to be highly energy efficient.
We worked closely with McMenamin Design Associates who completely repurposed the building. It was skinned, gutted, and retrofitted with new materials that embrace a program of durability and energy efficiency. The building’s existing structure was however left in place and its structural components were left exposed, which enabled the remodel to remain economical.
One of the project challenges included working within a very limited window of time between the final completion of the project and the move-in of its occupants. As the EOR, we worked with current Building Code Requirements and determined how the new and taller Building Front Element would perform with the older existing structure. All teams involved in the project also focused on capturing the beautiful back drop of Golden, Colorado and its School of Mines’ landmark letter “M” on Mount Zion.
The idea of repurposing the old ‘city shops building’ emerged after the City spent several years searching for a suitable building to lease. Their research concluded that moving was cost prohibitive. High leasing rates, new IT and phone system infrastructure, moving costs, and high tenant finish costs (approximately $300,000) proved undesirable. Utilizing a building it already owned and making it sparkle was the most cost effective solution. The finished product has received rave reviews including an award for ‘Sustainable Design/Construction Management’ from the American Public Works Association (APWA).
The building currently houses Golden’s Building, Engineering, Planning, Public Works Administration, and the Mapping / GIS departments who continue to do great work from their new home.
*For more information on McMenamin Design Associates, please visit: www.mcdallc.com
