The Ripken Experience

Location: Ohio
Market: Federal Government
Services: Architecture / Interior Design / Engineering

The Challenge

In 1934, Building 23 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was constructed as an aircraft hangar and test facility. More than 70 years later, the U.S. Air Force wanted to renovate the building to provide a modern lab facility for state-of-the-art energy research. It requested a design that retains the historic feel and aesthetic of the original building, while also creating a modern interior that meets security and force protection requirements.

The Solution

A three-story facility was created within the existing brick shell, adding new spaces for material processing, data acquisition, operations, and fabrication. The design also had special acoustical needs due to the use of vibration-sensitive equipment such as lasers and optical equipment. The superstructure is composed of a structural steel frame and designed to resist collapse in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) requirements.

Barge Design Solutions provided HVAC, plumbing, steam, lighting and power distribution, communications and security, utilities, storm drainage, lighting protection, and fire protection. Site work included sidewalks, curbs and gutters, access drive control systems, and site upgrades to meet AT/FP requirements. Architectural and interior design were also included as part of the project.

The Impact

The renovation of Building 23 was a testament to Barge's engineering expertise and commitment to excellence. Barge successfully transformed a historic asset into a modern, sustainable, and secure facility, meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The team's ability to balance preservation with innovation while also prioritizing sustainability and security positioned Barge as a valuable partner in this critical project. The project exceeded the original goal of designing to a LEED Silver level, making it the first LEED Gold building on the base.

Gallery

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The Challenge

The Ripken Experience features dramatic views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the City of Pigeon Forge. However, the ridgetop site was a challenge from a design perspective. Site grading required as much as 103-foot cuts and 54-foot fills, with a total of 1.8 million cubic yards of excavation, 600,000 cubic yards of which was rock. Stormwater management included the use of an underground detention facility.

The Solution

From the early stages of the project, Barge Design Solutions focused on how to use natural topography to the park's advantage, creating an experience that visitors would enjoy. Working closely with Ripken Baseball, Barge decreased the initial cost estimates by 33% to meet the project's budget, while maintaining the integrity of the design and vision for the park.

The Result

The Barge team's successful development of the Ripken Experience park demonstrates their ability to overcome complex site challenges, create visually appealing and functional designs, and deliver projects within budget constraints. Their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the site and providing a high-quality visitor experience is evident in the success of this project.

Architecture / Interior Design

Engineering

Geomatics

Landscape Architecture

Land Development

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