Imagine working in a 24-story building where the windows have remained unchanged since 1977. How do you ensure safety and modern standards? This was the challenge faced by the Hennepin County Government Center, a towering office building housing the county’s courts, attorney offices, law library, and various administrative and social services.
Originally built in 1977, the building’s windows had never been replaced, sparking the ambitious Window Replacement project. Throughout the project, several water tests were conducted to ensure the integrity of the window seals and the long-term performance of the installation.
Superintendent Brent Chrast remarked, “Ensuring safety of those in and around the building and the quality of the new windows was our top priority. We approached this project with meticulous attention to detail.” Stahl worked closely with a scaffolding contractor to establish safe areas for swing stage deployments from the street level to where the water tests were being performed. Swing stage deployments, which involve suspended scaffolding systems, were crucial for accessing the high windows safely.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the new windows could withstand the harsh Minnesota winters. Rigorous water tests were conducted to guarantee the seals’ integrity. The successful completion of the window replacement project not only modernized the building but also ensured a safer and more comfortable environment for all its occupants.