One of downtown Salina's most recognizable buildings is getting a makeover as crews work to replace all 302 windows on the historic United Building at Seventh Street and Iron Avenue.

Derek Lee, a local developer with Aero Plains Homes who also owns property within the United Building, confirmed that every window in the 10-story structure is being replaced. Rather than working on multiple sides simultaneously, crews are completing the project one side at a time, starting with the west-facing windows.

The improvements will remove the building's aging, steel-framed windows and replace them with modern alternatives, giving the nearly century-old structure an updated appearance while improving energy efficiency.

Nearly 100 Years of Downtown History

Constructed in 1929 and officially opened in January 1930, the United Building has been a prominent part of Salina's skyline for nearly a century. Originally developed for the United Life Insurance Company, the building cost approximately $440,000 to construct, a substantial investment at the time.

The building was designed by architect Charles W. Shaver, who also designed Salina's historic Fox-Watson Theatre, now known as the Stiefel Theatre.

Its Art Deco design, decorative stonework and distinctive architectural features helped establish it as one of downtown's most recognizable landmarks. The building was considered modern for its era, featuring elevators, individual office temperature controls and a mail chute connecting its floors.

Over the decades, the United Building has housed numerous professional offices and businesses, remaining a fixture of Salina's downtown commercial district.

The window replacement project represents a significant exterior improvement to the historic property. While the building's architectural character remains intact, the new windows will replace a dated feature that has been part of its appearance for generations.

With work progressing one side at a time, the transformation will become increasingly visible to residents and visitors traveling through downtown Salina.