Veterans Administration Building (Minneapolis) Window Replacement Project

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest glass and glazing va admin bldg

The VA Hospital Building 70 in South Minneapolis required upgrading its existing window system, originally constructed in 1986. The windows were overdue for an update to meet contemporary performance standards.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest glass and glazing va admin bldg 3

In collaboration with our esteemed partners, Leo A Daly Architects (Minneapolis) and Greenstone Construction (Fargo, ND), W. L. Hall Company developed a solution that retained the existing master frame while replacing the windows.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest glass and glazing va admin bldg 8

The initial Alpana system, allowing windows to open 90 degrees, permitted cold air infiltration around the perimeter between the master frame and Alpana windows.


 In certain hospital areas, windows had to be duct-taped to mitigate the cold air ingress. W. L. Hall Company introduced the Wausau 3250i (3 ¼ depth) InVent window series, centered in the 4” master frame as fixed windows and due to the representation of the VA Hospital by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),

 W. L. Hall Company and Leo A. Daly had to demonstrate compliance with USACE's design requirements.

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest glass and glazing va admin bldg 12

Following the acceptance of the design, we were able to proceed with ordering and installing new sashes. Given the comprehensive nature of the project, the VA structured the sash replacements into phases. 


 The design process for Phase I commenced in 2019, with installation in the summer of 2020 amid the pandemic. Subsequent phases were carried out in the summer of 2021 and the winter of 2022.

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Our guys in action - getting the job done!

w. l. hall company premier exterior and exterior systems provider in the upper midwest glass and glazing va admin bldg

To date, we have successfully replaced 1,324 window sashes, and an additional 76 sashes and spandrel glass replacements are planned for this summer. Further replacements are in the pipeline pending budget approval.


Reach out to us to make your next window installation & replacement project into reality!

w l hall company portfolio The Premier Exterior and Interior Building Systems Provider in the Upper Midwest
The Premier Exterior and Interior Building Systems Provider in the Upper Midwest 12

More Space for More Care — Expansion at CentraCare Plaza in St. Cloud

By Ira Hackner • January 15, 2026
Here is a look at a current healthcare project we are actively working on, showcasing our expertise in complex glazing, interior systems, and construction coordination—the CentraCare Plaza Expansion in St. Cloud, Minnesota. We are collaborating closely with RSP Architects (Minneapolis) and McGough Construction (St. Paul) to help bring the CentraCare Plaza Expansion design to life. From the outset, their project teams carefully factored the complex functional and operational requirements of expanded outpatient and specialty care into the overall design, ensuring each building system supports both architectural intent and long-term performance.

A Ceiling System that Provides BOTH Light and Sound Attenuation

By Ira Hackner • January 7, 2026
For the executive conference room hallway at Boston Scientific Arden Hills, (Building 5, Floor 3) RSP Architects (Minneapolis) and Cobeck Construction (St. Paul) project teams established clear priorities from the outset: to create a visually striking, polished ceiling experience appropriate for a high-visibility executive corridor, while also providing effective acoustic sound absorption to control noise transfer from the adjacent conference room. We worked closely with the RSP and Cobeck project teams to bring their design goals to life through a refined, high-performing ceiling solution.

Two Recent Zona® LYNX Telescopic Glass Wall Projects Showcase Flexible Design

By Ira Hackner • December 18, 2025
We are pleased to highlight two recently completed ZONA® LYNX telescoping glass wall projects, each tailored to the specific functional demands of its space. Working closely with the architects involved, we helped bring each project's design vision to reality, delivering precision ZONA installations that support flexibility, transparency, and long-term performance across both professional office and high-traffic environments. Both projects feature 3/8" clear laminated glass with a clear anodized finish, providing a consistent balance of durability, safety, and refined aesthetics. Below is a brief overview of each project and the unique advantages the ZONA LYNX system brings to each application.

Glass & Glazing Project in Progress – Boston Scientific's Weaver Lake 4 Expansion

By Ira Hackner • December 11, 2025
We are fortunate to be engaged in a wide range of projects across the Upper Midwest at any given time—each one highlighting the diversity of systems and solutions we provide. Today, we’re pleased to spotlight one of the major glazing projects we are currently involved in: the Boston Scientific – Weaver Lake 4 Expansion. We are proud to be actively progressing on this expansion, delivering advanced glass and glazing solutions for a project that continues to elevate one of Minnesota's most impactful medical device campuses. Collaborating with HGA Architects (Minneapolis) and Ryan Companies Construction (Minneapolis), our team is helping turn their design intent into a fully engineered, constructable glazing system—one that delivers long-term performance, clean aesthetics, and exceptional durability for Boston Scientific.

Air Leakage Is a Silent Energy Killer. One Rolling Door Is Finally Addressing It Head-On

By Ira Hackner • November 21, 2025
Most building professionals know that air leakage is one of the biggest performance failures in commercial buildings. What is less understood is this: Air leakage doesn't move in only one direction. It can move inward (infiltration) or outward (exfiltration) — and each direction carries its own set of energy, comfort, and moisture-control consequences. Even worse, rolling doors have historically been among the weakest points of the building envelope.

Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 14, 2025
Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

Four Xcel Energy Facilities: Powered by Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 7, 2025
We truly enjoyed working with HCM Architects (Minneapolis), TKDA Architects (Bloomington), Knutson Construction (Minneapolis), and McGough (St. Paul), who brought four new Xcel Energy service facilities — in Chanhassen, Onalaska (WI), St. Cloud, and St. Paul–Maplewood. We helped bring their design visions to life with Kalwall’s advanced translucent daylighting systems, which elevate energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and thermal performance.

AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

By Ira Hackner • October 30, 2025
AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

By Ira Hackner • October 20, 2025
2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner | Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

Innovative Daylighting Across Office and Warehouse: ๏ปฟKalwall Transforms Agralite’s HQ

By Ira Hackner • October 6, 2025
We were pleased to collaborate with Mohagen Hansen Architecture (Wayzata, MN) and Gardner Builders (Minneapolis) to bring their design vision for Agralite Electric Cooperative’s new 63,000-square-foot headquarters in Benson, MN, to life—featuring the innovative use of Kalwall® daylighting systems in both the office space and the warehouse.