Thompson Innovative Glass is honored to have played a role in the restoration of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado — one of the nation’s most iconic and architecturally significant landmarks.
Originally completed in 1962 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill under the direction of architect Walter Netsch, the Cadet Chapel is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and has received the prestigious AIA Twenty-Five Year Award. The structure is renowned for its dramatic design, featuring 17 tetrahedral spires clad in aluminum and colored glass.
As part of the chapel’s comprehensive $158 million renovation project — currently enclosed within the highly visible construction structure known as “the cocoon” and scheduled for completion in 2027 — Thompson Innovative Glass was selected to fabricate and supply both laminated glass and laminated insulating glass units for the sensitive window replacement effort.
Decades of weather exposure had caused deterioration of the original glazing system. In addition to addressing performance concerns, the restoration required an exacting commitment to preserving the chapel’s historic character. Over time, the original glass had aged into four distinct hues of bronze. To ensure a seamless integration with the existing façade, Thompson Innovative Glass developed custom laminated interlayers carefully engineered to replicate each of the four bronze variations.
This highly detailed color-matching process reflects both the technical expertise and craftsmanship required for projects of this significance. By combining advanced glazing technology with respect for historic integrity, Thompson Innovative Glass helped ensure the restored chapel will maintain its iconic visual identity for generations to come.
