Pioneers Museum HVAC Upgrade

Modernizing critical infrastructure while preserving one of Colorado Springs' most treasured historic landmarks.

Saunders Norwood completed a comprehensive mechanical and electrical modernization of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, upgrading the historic facility to meet current building codes while protecting its architectural character and extensive collection of regional artifacts.

As one of the region’s most significant historic landmarks, the museum occupies the former El Paso County Courthouse, originally constructed in 1903 and later relocated to its current site in 1979. The project involved the complete removal of previous HVAC installations and a full replacement of the building’s aging infrastructure throughout the four-story, 56,000-square-foot facility.

Work included installation of new air handling units, demolition and reconstruction of mechanical rooms, replacement of ductwork throughout the building, and upgrades to non-code-compliant electrical systems. These improvements provide modern performance, reliability, and occupant comfort while preserving the museum’s historic integrity.

Because construction occurred within an active museum housing more than 60,000 historic artifacts, extensive protection measures were required throughout the project. The team carefully relocated collections to temporary storage, installed dust containment barriers, constructed protective enclosures around permanent exhibits, and isolated sensitive spaces, including the room containing the original Helen Hunt house. Through detailed planning and coordination, the project successfully modernized the facility while safeguarding the irreplaceable artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Pikes Peak region.