BNSF Argentine Yard | 2201 Argentine BLVD., Kansas City, KS 66106
- Owner: BNSF Railway Company
- Architect: TDKA
- General Contractor: George Allen Construction
- Industrial Window System Manufacturer: EXTECH
- Photography: Wayne Cable
BNSF’s Argentine Yard in Kansas City, a railyard with a history dating back to 1875, recently completed a significant renovation project, designed by architect TDKA and led by general contractor George Allen Construction.
Covering 780 acres, the BNSF Railway Company’s Argentine Yard is one of the largest and busiest rail yards in the United States. For the renovation of the Building 5 Wash Bay, EXTECH worked with George Allen Construction to improve ventilation, natural lighting, and overall energy performance. To meet these needs and replace the old, leaky windows, EXTECH’s TECHVENT 5300 top-hinged industrial window system was installed.
To maintain visual clarity, 1” clear insulative glass was specified. EXTECH’s TECHVENT 5300 can accomodate polycarbonate or glass, giving designers options for different built environments. The system can also be specified to operate manually or with mechanical operators. This project included mechanical operators and manual (hand crank) operators.
Completed in two phases, phase 1 of the project included eight large 20-foot-wide by 3-foot-high TECHVENT 5300 windows on the south elevation and twelve on the north elevation, totaling 1,200 square feet of glazing.
Phase 2 mirrored the specifications of phase 1 but expanded to include 22 additional openings, totaling 1,320 square feet. The extensive two-year improvement project has significantly improved the wash bay’s functionality, comfort, and sustainability, aligning with BNSF’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Additional improvements to the facility by George Allen Construction include: new concrete floors, electrical and mechanical power feeders, heating and ventilating units, and more.
“We are proud to have partnered with BNSF Railway Company on this project,” said Kevin Smith, RA, President at EXTECH.
“Our translucent polycarbonate window systems are chosen for their durability, energy efficiency, and ability to withstand demanding industrial conditions. The patented windows can remain open during rainfall, keeping the interior dry while maintaining natural ventilation and daylighting,” Smith continued.
In addition to the projects at the BNSF Argentine Yard, EXTECH has supported numerous daylighting and ventilation retrofit projects for various clients, including Norfolk Southern Railway Company, the U.S. Navy, and industrial manufacturing plants across North America.