By Joseph Bonfiglio, Honolulu District Public Affairs
The Honolulu District was honored today to host a site visit for U.S. Army Pacific Commander Gen. Vincent K. Brooks and his staff at the Corps’ Bldg. T-112 Renovation Project on Fort Shafter’s historic Palm Circle.
Building T-112, built in 1907 and also known as Dunning Hall, is an important structure that is a key part of the Palm Circle National Historic Landmark District.
Work includes the removal of hazardous materials and exterior lanai walls, structural repair, replacing windows and doors, adding new lighting and data systems, and adding upgraded fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
The historic building’s character-defining features include a symmetric floor plan and elevation, Doric colonnades, an open lanai with exposed contoured rafters, old growth redwood clapboard siding, double-hung windows, a gabled roof, and double entry doors with transoms.
These character-defining features had been covered-up, removed, or in-filled in various renovations over the years.
The Corps is painstakingly working with our contractor GSI Pacific Inc to restore these character defining features with in-kind materials in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Two interior walls defining the once original front-to-rear entry vestibule (on each floor) will be restored or re-built. Cast iron columns within the first floor space, which are currently encased, will be exposed again.
The design team coordinated and consulted with the Garrison’s Directorate of Public Works Historical Division throughout the design process and the Corps is working closely with them throughout the construction process.
The following historic items are being protected and preserved for posterity:
- historic graffiti on a second floor column
- a basement foundation post
- and charred rafters from an historic fire which the building survived
The Honolulu District takes great pride in this historic renovation project and we were very happy to share this work with the Commander of USARPAC and his staff today.
The Honolulu District (America’s Engineers in the Pacific) is a full-service District, providing a wide range of timely, effective, innovative solutions to meet our customers’ engineering, construction and environmental needs.
The Honolulu District has seven primary missions: Military Construction, Civil Works, Interagency and International Services, Real Estate, Regulatory, Environmental Services, and Emergency Management. One Team – Building Strong®!