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Reopened on June 25, 2017, Massachusetts' Springfield Union Station was restored to its former grandeur with modern improvements, including energy-efficient, historically accurate Custom Window by Wausau double-hung and fixed windows.
The rail station was built in 1926 to replace an earlier station on the site, but closed in 1973, a victim of changing demographics and transportation patterns. Since then, passengers of this busy Amtrak station were relegated to a smaller facility nearby. Now, the $94 million, renovated, 120,000-square-foot, six-level terminal station has debuted as a transportation hub designed to support Amtrak, regional rail service, and regional and intercity bus operations for the area. It also features 64,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, much of which already has been leased.
Led by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, the project team involved Skanska USA, Daniel O'Connell's Sons, HDR, Lockheed Window, and Wausau Window and Wall Systems. The project broke ground in late 2014. Its multiple goals included maintaining the building's historical significance, incorporating the amenities and security requirements of a 21st century transportation hub, creating office and retail space, and driving economic growth in Springfield and the region. Environmental sustainability also was a priority.
"We worked closely with the other members of the team on this important restoration and renovation project," says Ryan Noble, regional sales manager with Wausau. "Getting the look of the windows just right is critical to maintaining the architectural integrity of the building. Our Custom Window by Wausau products precisely match the station's historic look, while supporting its goals for energy efficiency, daylight and natural ventilation. These qualities combine to create a light-filled interior space to promote the enjoyment and comfort of passengers, employees and tenants."
For more than 250 window bays on the renovated terminal building, Lockheed installed factory-glazed Custom Window by Wausau 9250 Series double-hung windows with true muntin grid construction and self-balancing hardware. Wausau 8300 Series fixed windows with applied muntin grids also were installed in an additional 17 window bays.
All of Wausau windows' aluminum framing members were painted by Linetec using a two-coat 70 percent PVDF resin-based coating in a Hartford Green color. These durable coatings exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals for long-lasting performance that minimize maintenance and associated costs, contributing to the building's longevity and a positive, lasting impression.
The Springfield Union Station honors the city's history, while helping spur its economic future. The Springfield Preservation Trust recently recognized the accomplishments of this 40-year restoration project at its 2017 annual award ceremony.
