Kern Building Egress

Exterior Egress improvements on the first SD State-owned building built in the 1890s.  This historic sandstone building at the SD State Veterans Home needed two new code compliant 4 story egress fire escapes on the west side and a new grand staircase on the east side.  The project designed by Fennell Design for the Office of the SD State Engineer has several unique elements.  The use of helical piers, which we are self-performing, creates an independent structure that will help isolate the existing structure from any new additional loads.  The design of the grand entry is intended to replace the original entrance from the 1800s that was removed in the early 20th century.  Some of the original sandstone removed from earlier projects is being incorporated into the new veneer.