Air Force breaks ground on new dorm

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials broke ground March 13 on a 25,000-square-foot enlisted dormitory that is scheduled for completion here in 2018.

The $13.5 million dormitory will accommodate up to 66 unaccompanied enlisted Airmen when finished.

“This facility is indicative of the support that we are providing to our Airmen at Hanscom,” said Col. Roman L. Hund, installation commander. “This new facility will provide the most up-to-date standards for those Airmen.”

David Wong, 66th Civil Engineering Division chief of programs, spoke about how his team met with current dorm residents for input on the design and location of the three-story facility.

“One of the options was to build the dorm next to the current dorms,” he said. “But then dorm residents would have been living next to construction for the next two years. Airmen thought the best location would be closer to the Fitness Center and other base facilities they use.”

Wong also spoke about the inside design.

“The rooms will be configured in modules to accommodate up to four people,” he said. “Each module will have individual bedrooms and bathrooms, then a common area with a full kitchen.”

Airman 1st Class Kenzie Williams, a contracting specialist in the Contracting Directorate, and current Dorm Council president, discussed the impact the new dorm will have on Airmen at Hanscom.

“The new dorms will improve the quality of life for us by providing an upgrade over the dorms we have now,” Williams said, who also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. “By involving us in the process, it shows how the Air Force really values its enlisted Airmen.”

Another feature of the new building is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. LEED is an environmental rating system that ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments.

Army Col. Christopher Barron, commander of Army Corps of Engineers New England District, spoke during the ceremony about the relationship the Army Corps has with Hanscom.

“Hanscom has been and will continue to be the jewel in the crown of our military construction program,” said Barron. “Last year we were able to complete that fantastic middle school project right around the corner and now we’re on to the dormitory.”