The architectural team decided that an aluminum window replacement was the best solution for the existing wood windows at the Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS. Although we don’t agree that an aluminum replacement window is warranted for such a historic building, Re-View was selected to perform a historically-sensitive window replacement project.
Re-View selected a custom aluminum window company out of Denver, Colorado to manufacture the window units. Given the large size of the window units, we were concerned with using conventional replacement window spring balances to balance the sash. We have had bad experiences with springs losing their tension, rendering the window impossible to open. We worked with the manufacturer to use a custom-designed self-balancing system. This design connected the upper and lower sash with a cable so the weight of the upper sash balanced the weight of the lower sash. Both sash operate in unison when the window is opening, providing a smooth operation that will perform for many decades.
One of the challenging factors about this project was the construction timeframe. Re-View had to replace 985 window units during the 10-week summer break. This condensed schedule required outstanding coordination between our company and the window manufacturer. We gathered field measurements six months in advance so there would be ample time for fabrication. Our field carpenters were successful in completing the installation in time.
This project serves as an excellent example of how Re-View can manage a large historic window project with a very condensed schedule.
History of Wyandotte High School
Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas was built in 1886 and is one of the grandest high school buildings in the Kansas City area. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and underwent a complete restoration in 2003.
