The partial floor addition to the Gordon G. Shepherd Atmospheric Research facility was built on the roof of the existing Petrie building despite the fact that the building was never designed to be expanded vertically. Bird constructed a separate frame to support the extension by connecting it to Petrie’s existing structure using column stubs and cross beams. In addition, the building materials had to be lifted by crane and construction had to be completed before classes began.

With the success of the first contract, another a second contract was awarded to Bird to complete the floor addition to accommodate all-season research. The observatory was segregated into two rooms; one which is insulated was constructed so that the roof observatory hatches can be left open during the most frigid winter weather.