LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Representatives from Team Lackland and Balfour Beatty Communities ushered in construction of new privatized base housing with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at the new North Wherry building site, just south of the base exchange.
Work is scheduled to begin June 23. North Wherry is one of three new neighborhoods that will be under construction; the others are North Skeet, east of the commissary, and LeMay/Yount Circle, between Kelly Drive and the golf course.
The first group of new homes should be available June 2010. When complete, the project will feature 307 duplex and single-family homes for military members. In addition to the new homes, the five-year outlook calls for demolishing 106 existing homes and renovating 57 others.
"Privatization of base housing allows us to improve quality of life and the standard of living for our service members and their families," said Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, 37th Training Wing commander. "Privatization has proved successful throughout the Air Force and we look forward to fully incorporating this concept at Lackland."
"We're excited to get started, to put paper (the plan) into reality and provide Lackland families with all the comfort and amenities of upscale civilian living," said Bill Wood, project director for Balfour Beatty Communities, in a press release.
The new homes will feature three and four bedrooms, up to two and a half baths, fully equipped modern kitchens, ample storage space, and two-car attached garages.
Development plans call for construction of a 5,000-square foot community center with a swimming pool.
"We've really taken the time to ensure the style of home fits with the sites and surroundings of San Antonio," Mr. Wood said. "We think everyone will be pleased with the look as well as the spacious and luxurious living space inside."
John Heye, deputy engineer for the 37th Civil Engineer Squadron, said the impact of privatization on base housing will be a plus for Team Lackland.
"Airmen are going to living in homes on par or better than off base," Mr. Heye said. "These are big units. The square footage is comparable, and in some cases more than what Airmen can get off base."
With privatization, Lackland will have close to 900 housing units less than 13 years old by 2010.
"We could never have done this without going the privatized route," said Mr. Heye. "We can't get quality housing as quickly as we're going to get it, and we would never have done it by next year."