The Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel could shed its big white box next year ahead of reopening in 2028.

The chapel’s renovation was originally envisioned to take about four years, when it started in 2019.

Now seven years into the project, crews have faced numerous delays and ballooning costs after discovering asbestos and alignment issues with the steel structure.

The renovation was expected to cost $335 million, according to a contract last year. The building went up in the 1960s for $3.54 million and in 2018 the initial cost for renovations was estimated at about $68 million. 

The work was needed to address persistent leaking that started almost immediately after the chapel opened in 1962 because an internal membrane system was cut from designs to save costs. 

During renovation, the white box went up around the iconic structure to protect it. It’s also hidden the building from view. 

“It serves as an eyesore for the entire Colorado Springs community,” said Zach Miller, an academy graduate, who spoke to the Academy’s Board of Visitors meeting Monday. The board provides recommendations to the Secretary of the Air Force and includes lawmakers who also work on defense legislation.

Brig. Gen. Pat Miller, commander of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, said during the meeting the white box should come down by July 2027. 

He also said he expects the building will be open for beneficial use by May 2028, although the contract for work on the building will extend through the fall of 2028. The Air Force Academy website states the building will reopen to the public in August 2028.   

Academy officials have estimated that about 500,000 tourists a year visited the architectural wonder, recognizable for its soaring stained glass and 150-foot spires.

In March, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center announced workers had placed the 1,628th and final weather-resistant panel on the building.

Earlier this month the center said the Catholic organ had been restored and reinstalled; the Protestant organ was awaiting reinstallation. 

Miller told the board some contracting flexibility allowed by the Secretary of the Air Force has helped work move faster. 

“We’ve worked really hard to take down barriers to get into the finances to make sure we’re holding the contractor accountable, but also reducing the bureaucracy so that we are having live conversations,” he said.  

The flexibility allowed the contractors to work while the Air Force is still negotiating changes or cost for work. 

Chaplains will likely be allowed back into the chapel by late April or early May 2028 to bring in items that will help prepare the building for visitors, Miller said.

He expected work would continue through the fall to finish out exterior work such as landscaping and any items needed to finalize the construction.

While work is underway, the graduating class of 2026 had the opportunity to tour the structure and the same opportunity will be open to the class of 2027, he said.