Hospital gets exterior ‘face lift’ Published June 13, 2016 By Ilka Cole Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The base hospital's main and emergency entrances are wrapped in construction scaffolding due to an exterior overhaul. The renovations scheduled to be complete by April 2017, will update and improve the 50-year-old structure. "The work on the outer shell is necessary to correct moisture intrusion issues," said Robert West, Eglin Hospital facilities manager. Waterproofing is currently underway. Once finished, the hospital will be sealed and outfitted with new hurricane and anti-terrorism/force protection windows. "The correction of these issues will save the hospital $500,000 every four years or less for recurring and projected wall weatherproofing and $35,000 a year in storm shutter maintenance costs that will no longer be needed," said West. The scaffolding will remain for several months while the full installation of the new windows begin. In addition, the parking lot will be renovated to make handicap accessible modifications, provide patient drop-off zones with canopies and improve traffic circulation. During this six month period, there will be small changes to traffic patterns and parking areas. "The new entrance will be wheelchair accessible with zero grade curbing and the new canopies will provide covered drop off points to protect patients from the weather," said West. The final phase of construction will be the aluminum panel installation system known as a 'rain shield'. The 'rain shield' will protect the structure and create a uniform look to give the aging structure a new-like, modern appearance.