Preserving American History: Renewing a Historic Landmark in Form and Function

The Rock Island Arsenal, situated between Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois, holds a storied place in American history. The 946-acre island on the Mississippi River played a pivotal role in westward expansion and military development. Fort Armstrong, built in 1816, served as a military hub during the Black Hawk War of 1832. The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi, completed in 1856, cemented Rock Island's role in U.S. history, with Abraham Lincoln himself defending the bridge in court as a railroad attorney.

Today, the Rock Island Arsenal continues to serve the Department of Defense, housing over 400 active-duty military and 6,000 civilian and contractor personnel. Among its historic structures is the limestone Clock Tower Building, built in 1868, which stands as a 117-foot symbol of the island's heritage.

Adjacent to the Clock Tower, the brick-built Clock Tower Annex was constructed in 1941 to match the architectural features of the surrounding buildings. Originally a motor shop and engineering depot, the annex evolved into office space in 1981, with a brick walkway connecting it to the Clock Tower. Over the years, its lack of windows and a poorly designed skylight system contributed to a dark and leaky workspace.

Recognizing the need for improvement, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Rock Island District engaged Stanley Consultants to lead a comprehensive renovation of the annex's second floor and roof. As a federal government consulting firm, Stanley Consultants applied decades of expertise in both historical building preservation and modern engineering solutions.

Stanley Consultants, with its extensive engineering, design and consulting experience, was tasked with designing a master plan for the Clock Tower Annex, including plans for the second-floor renovation and roof replacement. This historical building restoration project aimed to create a brighter, more flexible workspace while respecting the building's historic significance. As part of this work, Stanley Consultants provided comprehensive master planning consulting to support the project's success and the long-term viability of the annex as a modern office space.

The renovation of the Clock Tower Annex involved overcoming several structural obstacles, particularly related to the building's roof and natural light deficiencies. The existing skylights were poorly designed, causing water to pond on the flat roof and seep into the building due to insufficient flashing. To address these issues, Stanley Consultants eliminated 32 problematic skylights and installed a modern, single-ply membrane roof with enhanced drainage. The team installed tapered insulation sloped to ¼-inch per foot and overflow scuppers to prevent future water damage and address the flat roof's structural issues. New blast-proof windows were installed, enhancing security while allowing more natural light into the space and reducing the building's dependence on artificial lighting.

A lack of historical plans for the 1940s structure required meticulous on-site investigations to verify conditions. Collaboration with multiple users during the design phase helped align the layout with the district's needs. Key improvements included:

With these improvements, Stanley Consultants transformed the annex's interior into a modern workspace that balances functionality and comfort.

The renovation of the Clock Tower Annex focused on preserving its historical character while integrating modern upgrades. Architects carefully selected materials to match the region's architectural legacy, using salvaged brick to maintain the building's original aesthetic. Custom limestone caps were designed to cover steel beams that were cut to fit new windows, blending modern updates with the historic façade. These thoughtful choices made sure the annex complements the iconic Clock Tower and remains true to its national historic landmark status. The design resolved issues like leaks and poor lighting, while honoring the building's past and transforming it into a functional, modern workspace for the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Clock Tower Annex renovations have revitalized the Rock Island District's headquarters, blending modern functionality with the intricacies of historical preservation. The transformation has created a bright, secure workspace with comfortable offices and a spacious conference room, helping to ensure the Army Corps can continue its vital mission at Rock Island for years to come.

Learn more about all the federal government consulting services offered at Stanley Consultants. If you have any questions, contact us, and a member of our expert team will work with you to determine the best approach for your project. You can also search for a Stanley Consultants office near you.