Chamberlin Observatory:
The Second Century --
We honor our past and
strive to create hope for the future,
with every student that peers through
the great telescope's eyepiece.
Introduction:
During the past 5 years, the University of Denver/Astronomy program has been
fortunate to receive the help of many interested persons in renovating and
restoring DU's historic Chamberlin Observatory so that it can continue to
serve the community well into the new century.
Special thanks to: DU DEPTS. PHYSICS AND MATH
THE DENVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
THE UNIVERSITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
THE 1772 FOUNDATION
THE COLORADO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
DU PHYSICAL PLANT
and many, MANY more!!!
Landmark Deisgnations:
1980 National Historic Registry (thanks to DAS!)
1993 Denver City Landmark, 100 years after first light
Initial Renovations 1993-1996:
Balcony deck repair; lavatory repair
Main pier room interior tuckpointing
Major re-roofing and re-shingling of flat and sloped roofs
Library/transit room salvaging/rebuild
Application for major Colo Historic Society grant
Phase 1 CHS Grant Work completed 1997:
Foundation drainage and water intrusion abatement
Foundation exterior tuckpointing (below ground)
Replacement of basement floor slabs
Repair of basement ceilings and walls
Re-seam and re-paint observatory dome
Structural support additions for first floor
Change enclosure of basement stairs, north side
Phase 2 CHS Grant Work - begun 2006:
Budgeted items include:
Restore exterior windows (47 of them!), 0.21
Restore stone masonry: repoint, parapets, chimney, 0.20
General conditions/overheads, 0.17
Replace fire detection system, 0.16
Contingency, 0.09
Grant management, 0.08
Replace downspouts with long service copper, 0.04
Architectural fees, 0.03
Restore/replace 3 exterior doors, 0.02
Next steps:
Preservation Master Plan development and subsequent funding
this includes repairing walls, windows, redo of electrical, heating,
plumbing, fixtures, cabinets and doors, etc.
Program mater plan calls for improvements to support teaching, research
and outreach missions of the University astronomy program.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
From: Dr. Robert Stencel, Prof. Astronomy, Chamberlin Obs.
Subject: Specs for additional requested Chamberlin work, spring 2006, SHF
grant money
Here are our requests for useful modifications to be made to electrical,
mechanical and plumbing facets of DU's historical Cahmberlin Observatory,
to enhance functionality as academic, outreach and research space in
support of the Dept of Physics & Astronomy, NSM and the public. Mr. Reid
and I are at the ready to clarify our requests and review drawings prior
to implementation.
Assumptions: ALL exposed conduit will be redone flush into surfaces where
possible; retain most existing receptacle locations except where noted.
"Receptacle" means 2-plex 110vac plug-in unless otherwise spec'd.
EXTERIOR ELECTRICAL & PHONE
Buried electrical, phone and future digital cable channel from street to
basement. Ditto for run to Student observatory
BASEMENT: [#1] big letter signage for water, electrical, gas interior
shutoffs
Room:
1, main pier - [a] add signal from main sump to new fire detection system
2, boiler - no changes but heating system needs complete review for noise
and inefficiencies
3, storage - no changes
4, coal bin: [a] entry wall receptacle and light switch [moved from boiler
entry]
5. sink room: [a] add overhead light in east end
6. transit pier - [a] add receptacle inside door frame; [b] add signal
from flood detector to new fire detection system; [c] move one overhead
light from south to north half of room
MAIN FLOOR:
1. North entry: expand receptacle from inside "phone" room to foyer or
from light switch
2. Phone room: no changes
3. Dir. office: [a] upgrade floor receptacle; [b] add 2 receptacles 8
inches above cabinet top on east wall; [c] replacement, period lighting
for ceiling?; [d] evaluate and upgrade receptacles on north, west, south
walls; [e] spotlight for Chamberlin portrait on NW fireplacewall?
4. Classroom: retain at least 6 receptacles in outer perimeter in the
larger expanses between windows; [b] add up to 6 on inner square perimeter
5. South entry, exterior: [a] upgrade receptacle on east wall at landing &
replicate on west side
6. Transit room: [a] consider period lighting scheme analogous to
Dir. Office
7. Restroom: [a] add receptacle next to light switch; [b] add hot/cold
spigots under sink for filling buckets
SECOND FLOOR & DOME ROOM:
1. Landing: [a] retain receptacle, perhaps on interior wall rather than
under north window
2. Dome room: [a] receptacles 18 inch above floor between each pair of
windows (4 total), retain existing receptacles on north wall; [b] add two
receptacles under the computer table at the pier; [c] upgrade wiring to
dome rotation motor (north wall) and add capacity for low power in-dome
lighting & control circuits.
3. Observer room and west "chamber": [a] add receptacles next to existing
light switches on west side of obs room and interior east side of
chamber; [b] investigate open electrical box near obs room entry door,
southeast face and refurb as needed.
ROOF:
1. North service porch: the UV-capable membrane roof and gutter-liner
system installed circa 1995 with 20 year warranty appears to be doing a
great job and should not be disturbed; protective mats might use
anchoring.
2. Chimney capstone cave-in needs attention.
More to follow.
Please direct questions/comments
to Prof.Stencel
Return to Obs. tour
12/99, updated 9/06, 1/08 -- RES
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