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Choosing the right construction delivery method can be just as crucial as selecting the right team to bring a project to life. In historic renovations, where unforeseen challenges lurk behind every wall, early collaboration and strategic pre-planning can mean the difference between costly setbacks and a seamless transformation. For the Valley-Wide Health Systems (VWHS) Health and Wellness Center project, Nunn Construction leveraged the CM/GC (Construction Manager/General Contractor) approach to breathe new life into an 87-year-old courthouse in Alamosa, Colorado. By integrating expertise in historic preservation and preconstruction planning, we worked alongside RTA Architects to transform this landmark into a modern healthcare facility while honoring its rich past.
Uncovering the History Behind the Walls
Preconstruction services began in April 2024, led by Senior Estimator Jesse Clarke, who embarked on the meticulous process of “peeling back the layers” of this historic structure. Built in 1937 with WPA funds as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, the courthouse stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit. Registered on the National Historic Registry, it showcases Mission Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, featuring materials sourced from the local area.
With steel in short supply due to the lingering impacts of World War I and the Great Depression, ingenuity shaped the original construction. Railroad ties were repurposed as structural beams, and a local brick kiln was reopened to produce the 450,000 bricks needed for the façade. Inside, the craftsmanship is just as impressive—planked wood ceilings display hand-scorched patterns, a unique and irreplaceable design element. These historical details required a thoughtful, informed approach to budgeting and construction, making the CM/GC method the ideal choice. From preserving the original woodwork to sourcing matching bricks and ensuring the integrity of the concrete slabs above the second-floor ceiling—once designed to prevent jailbreaks—our team carefully strategized each step.
The Power of Pre-Planning in CM/GC
By incorporating construction expertise during the design phase, the CM/GC approach allowed us to identify potential cost savings, optimize procurement, and streamline scheduling. This collaboration prevented costly redesigns and ensured that subcontractors were engaged at the right time, reducing delays and budget overruns.
A key advantage of CM/GC is the transparency and control it provides owners. Unlike traditional design-bid-build methods, CM/GC offers early cost certainty, contractor input on constructability, and a collaborative decision-making process. The result? Fewer surprises, a smoother construction phase, and a project that delivers exceptional value.
Balancing Historic Integrity with Modern Needs
Historic renovations come with unique challenges—from uncovering unforeseen structural conditions to meeting modern code requirements while preserving original details. One of the biggest hurdles in this project was restoring the courthouse’s brick exterior. Since the original bricks were no longer manufactured, we turned to historical manuals and expert subcontractors to ensure an authentic match. Our approach included building contingencies into the budget, conducting in-depth site investigations, and leveraging past experience to mitigate risks. By planning ahead and staying flexible, we navigated these challenges without compromising the project’s schedule or budget.
The Alamosa County Courthouse in Alamosa, Colorado.
A Legacy of Community and Preservation
The Alamosa Courthouse has been a source of pride for the community for nearly a century, a reflection of the care and commitment of those who built and maintained it. The opportunity to transform this cherished landmark into a space that will continue to serve the community for generations is an honor. Through collaborative pre-planning, historic sensitivity, and a commitment to quality, Nunn Construction is ensuring that this building’s legacy endures—not just as a symbol of the past, but as a vital part of Alamosa’s future.