Transformative Renovation of Hangar 6 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

HEAPY, in close partnership with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the 88th Civil Engineering Group, successfully designed the transformative renovation of Hangar 6 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). Spanning 60,000 square feet with a construction cost of over $30 million, the Hangar 6 modernization project created a state-of-the-art facility while preserving the historic aesthetic and character of the building.

In collaboration with multiple agencies and user groups, HEAPY provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems that met or exceeded all functional requirements and modern safety standards for the unique needs of the U.S. Air Force and its mission. This adaptive reuse project gives new life to the World War II era hangar, preserving the historically significant structure for future generations.

Design Excellence and Collaboration

Through a series of collaborative sessions called “Design Charrettes,” the team carefully mapped out the project’s spatial requirements, room specifications, and how different spaces would interact. Our design team worked with Burgess and Niple to provide critical input to craft a Design-Build Request for Proposal (RFP), which thoroughly addressed critical aspects of the project, such as progressive collapse mitigation, security enhancements, mission critical resiliency, and utility coordination.

Notably, the design concept achieved remarkable efficiency, yielding 111 net square feet per person and 148 usable square feet per person while satisfying all Cultural Resources Office and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requirements.

Preserving Historic Integrity and Modernizing Infrastructure

HEAPY successfully transformed the historic 1942 hangar into secure office space, allowing WPAFB to fulfill the needs of a 300-person mission through our partnership with American Structurepoint who served as the Designer of Record.

The project adhered to rigorous standards and code requirements, including Physical Security, Antiterrorism and Force Protection (ATFP), Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 for construction of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF), and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) specifications.

Navigating Budgetary Considerations and Recognition

Our team also navigated significant budgetary considerations from the hangar’s unique surroundings and infrastructure constraints. Careful analysis and strategic planning were paramount to devise cost-effective solutions.

HEAPY’s design excellence was acknowledged with the 2022 AFCEC Honor Award for design, the top award from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, recognizing projects that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Engineering News-Record also honored the project with its Midwest 2022 “Best Projects Award” in the renovation category.

Shared Commitment to Excellence

“We value our partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and are proud of our shared commitment to excellence and collaboration, which was demonstrated through the successful execution of this project,” said Kurt Darding, Project Manager for HEAPY’s government practice. “The impact of this project underscores the importance of teamwork and dedication in achieving extraordinary results that benefit both the Department of Defense and the surrounding community.”