COLORADO SPRINGS — The Air Force Academy cadet chapel is closing for a renovations and repairs project starting September 4th and lasting an estimated four years. So, if you haven't had a chance to see the iconic structure yet, you better make plans in a hurry.
The chapel's closure stems from a $158 million restoration and preservation project, which is designed to fix a longstanding leakage problem that the iconic building has suffered since almost the first day it opened its doors.
As part of the preservation and restoration process, all of the pews on the main level will be removed and restored, along with all of the main-level stained glass and the massive organ.
After quite a bit of deconstruction, crews will build a system that will prevent further leakage. The system is very similar to the one outlined in the chapel's original plans.
USAFA representatives say that all the work being done on the chapel will ultimately not change the design look or intent.
The chapel was originally set to close in June, but that project was pushed back and later canceled after the funds were moved to make repairs at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida following Hurricane Michael.
The chapel is a popular tourist destination in Colorado Springs and is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
