How long have federal buildings been required to provide ADA access, emergency exits, and fire suppression systems? Quite a while, which makes it great to hear the National Park Service finally found the funding to address such projects at Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Tennessee.

Fort Donelson Superintendent Brian McCutchen says the renovation work will improve the accessibility, sustainability and safety of the park's visitor center. The project will cost more than $900,000. Closure of the facility and the beginning of onsite work is expected to begin late this spring and be completed by early 2016.

"This is a vital renovation that is long overdue," Superintendent McCutchen said. "The visitor center was built in the early 1960s and has many legacy accessibility and safety issues that must be addressed to bring it into compliance with today's standards."

In a release the superintendent indicated that three of primary concerns being addressed are the lack of adequate accessibility for those in need of mobility assistance to the building's three levels; lack of emergency exits on multiple floors; and lack of restroom facilities that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Other concerns include inefficient HVAC systems and a decaying and inefficient roofing system.

Funding was not available to replace the 53-year-old building with a new facility, so the park requested funds from a special source designated specifically for accessibility, safety, and sustainability needs. In 2014, the park received the funding to address the building's most significant needs. In late 2014, a design/build contract was awarded to KHDM Construction, LLC, a contractor with extensive experience in national park infrastructure improvements.

The contract includes:

* Installing an elevator addition to safely provide access to multiple levels;

* Constructing a restroom on the building's main floor, and retrofitting lower level restrooms and offices to make them ADA compliant;

* Installing ADA/ABA compliant motorized doors;

* Providing emergency egress for the theater, museum and basement levels;

* Installing fire suppression and sprinkler systems;

* Installing an improved radon monitoring and removal system;

* Analyzing and removing asbestos-containing materials;

* Installing a new insulated roofing system;

* Building a bookstore with adjacent office on the main level;

* Installing a central zoned, energy efficient HVAC system;

* Installing electrical, networking, and alarm infrastructure;

According to Superintendent McCutchen, Stewart (Tennessee) County Mayor Rick Joiner offered space in a portion of the county's visitor center to serve as the park's temporary visitor greeting area while the park's Fort Donelson Visitor Center is being renovated.

"We have a wonderful relationship with the county and appreciate their offer of assistance," the superintendent said. "This is a great opportunity for the county, in order to expose park visitors from across the nation, and in many cases, the world, to additional information and exhibits about Stewart County and surrounding area."

Superintendent McCutchen said he views the upcoming project as a significant step forward in analyzing the battlefield's infrastructure for ADA/ABA accessibility and safety in the areas of parking, access to resources, and in providing for greater visitor experiences on the national park.

"We have several areas on the battlefield to improve for access, and we are eager to work with partners in analyzing other critical needs and mutually working toward solutions," he said. "When the renovation is completed, the park's visitor center will be an accessible, safer, and more sustainable facility that meets the expectations of today's visitors.

"National park visitors expect to have access to facilities that meet their needs and bring wonderful memories. It is our intention that the renovated visitor center meets those expectations."