Air Force Academy Chapel Renovation Delayed to 2027

Cadet Chapel encased in cubePhoto byColorado Martini

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel is one of the most recognizable buildings and landmarks in Colorado. It is considered the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado. But in 2019, the beautiful and unique Cadet Chapel at the academy closed for renovations. It was expected to open in 2023, but new discoveries delayed the opening to 2027.

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet ChapelPhoto byLibrary of Congress

The 150-foot Cadet Chapel is an all-faith house of worship. There are separate chapels for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths. The Protestant faith is on the upper level. While Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths occupy the next level down. Then a large all-faith room below that. All have their own entrances so not to disrupt the services of the others.

Inside the Cadet Chapel on the Protestant levelPhoto byLibrary of Congress

The building is made of aluminum and glass. The 17 spires are made of steel. The chapel and grounds were built at a cost of $3.5 million. Where the furnishings, organs, and other religious adornments were gifts from individuals and organizations. In 1959, an Easter offering helped raise additional funds to complete the interior.

Did you know the general public can visit the Academy? Let us know in the comments.

A need renovation began in late 2019 and was expected to close the chapel until 2023. Due to discoveries of extensive asbestos, has pushed the expected completion to 2027. The academy knew renovating the chapel from top to bottom after decades of temporary repairs would be a big undertaking. They have been repairing leaks over the years with sealants and it had gotten to the point extensive repairs were needs due to degradation. The amount of asbestos added an unexpected mitigation cost of $60 million to the $158 million project.

Today, the chapel is hidden from view by a 150-foot-high monolithic white box or “cocoon.” This allows work to continue despite Colorado’s ever-changing weather. Take a campus tour in the video below:

Have you ever been to the chapel? Let us know in the comments.

Faiths the building services

• Buddhist Faith
• Earth-Centered Spirituality (ECS)
• Muslim
• Hindu
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Jewish
• Orthodox Christan
• Protestant
• Roman Catholic
• Sikh
• Other faiths

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