USAFA Cadet Chapel – Heritage Minute

Summary

The Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel, designed by architect Walter Neff, stands as a modern marvel in Colorado with its 17 spires reflecting the surrounding mountains. Initially controversial, the 150-foot structure faced criticism and funding delays but was ultimately completed between 1959-1963 at a cost of $3.5 million, excluding interior items funded by private donations. Celebrated for its beauty and architectural innovation, the chapel has become Colorado's top tourist attraction and is set for renovations starting in 2019 to restore its original steel skeleton appearance.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel is a soaring structure, standing 150 feet tall and featuring 17 spires that reflect the surrounding mountains.
• 🏆 The chapel was designed by the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, with 34-year-old architect Walter Neff leading the design team.
• 🏗️ The chapel's construction was carried out by the Robert being the key construction company from Santa Fe, New Mexico, between 1959 and 1963.
• 💵 The cost of building the chapel was $3.5 million, with furnishings, organs, and other interior items funded through private donations.
• 🎉 The chapel was dedicated on September 22nd, 1963, and has since become a top tourist attraction in Colorado.
• 🏆 The modern design of the Cadet Chapel has garnered several architectural awards and has been featured in numerous magazines.
• 🤔 Initially, the chapel's design faced controversy, with critics likening it to an accordion and comparing worship to skating.
• 👎 Influential figures in the late 1950s, including some members of Congress, were among the critics of the chapel's design.
• 🛠️ Despite initial resistance, the design team and construction company prevailed, and the funding for the chapel was not permanently halted by Congress.
• 📈 The chapel's design has stood the test of time, with a planned renovation starting in 2019 that will take it back to its original steel skeleton look.
• 🔄 The renovation and upgrade process is expected to last up to four years, during which the chapel will be closed to the public.

Q & A

What is the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel known for?

The Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel is known for its strikingly modern design with 17 spires that evoke the mountains of Colorado, making it the top man-made tourist attraction in the state.

Who was the architect in charge of the chapel's design?

Walter Neff, a 34-year-old architect from the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, was in charge of the chapel's design.

What was the initial reaction to the chapel's design in the late 1950s?

The design initially raised many questions and caused lots of controversy, with critics calling it a 'shocking fiasco' and likening it to an accordion, suggesting that attending services there would be like 'worshipping in a skating rink'.

How did the controversy affect the funding for the chapel?

While Congress briefly delayed funding due to the controversy, the project prevailed and the chapel was built.

Which construction company was responsible for building the chapel?

The Robert being the key construction company of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was responsible for building the chapel between 1959 and 1963.

What was the cost to build the chapel's structure?

The cost to build the chapel's structure was 3.5 million dollars.

How were the furnishings, organs, and other interior items of the chapel funded?

The furnishings, organs, and other interior items were funded through private donations, including an offering taken on Air Force Bases throughout the world on Easter 1959.

When was the chapel dedicated?

The chapel was dedicated on September 22nd, 1963.

What renovations and upgrades are planned for the chapel starting in 2019?

Starting in 2019, the chapel is planned to undergo renovations and upgrades for up to four years, which will take it back to its steel skeleton look, as known from the early 1960s photographs.

What is the significance of the chapel's aluminum, glass, and steel structure?

The aluminum, glass, and steel structure of the chapel is significant as it represents a modern architectural achievement and has become an iconic symbol of the Air Force Academy.

What is the expected outcome of the renovations for the chapel?

The renovations aim to seal the chapel's structure, which has been exposed since its inception, enhancing its longevity and preserving its architectural integrity.