RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Renovation and upgrade plans have been set in motion for one set of Randolph Air Force Base facilities.
The 12th Civil Engineer Division, along with base leadership and civilian contractors, has developed a multi-phased upgrade schedule and dormitory enhancement plan for the Airman's dormitory.
"Our vision is to make the Airman's dorms more residential and less institutional," Leon Spradling, 12th MSG/CE deputy base civil engineer said.
The $800,000 renovation plan is divided into short-term and long-term enhancement goals to improve quality of life for the 100 Airmen that live in the dorms.
Phase one
In the short-term, base engineers have developed a four-phase upgrade schedule, which is scheduled to begin this month.
"In the first phase of the dormitory upgrades, we wanted to alleviate the existing bat, bird and insect problem," Mr. Spradling said. "We have completed our efforts to repel the birds that nest in the trees outside the dormitory, and our tree-trimming efforts are now in progress."
Plans exist to repair the landscape, Mr. Spradling said, which contribute to insect issues. Entomology has been scheduled to make reoccurring visits to the building and contractors have been hired to seal cracks in the roof to temporarily solve the bat issue at the dormitories.
Also scheduled in the short term are renovation plans for the common areas of the dormitory.
"Over time, we strive to improve the quality of life for our Airmen," Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page, 12th Flying Training Wing command chief said. "These renovations are long overdue and are extremely important in our promise to fulfill their needs."
Plans call for an update of the paint schemes throughout all common areas.
Study rooms are scheduled to be turned into game centers and will contain a 42" flat panel TV, lounge chairs, video game units, new paint schemes and wall art, Mr. Spradling said. All these are updates are scheduled to be completed by the end of the month - an early holiday gift to Airmen.
Phase two
Currently, on the second floor is a kitchenette, more common area space, a TV room and study rooms. Scheduled for completion in January, the TV room will sport updated theatre-style furniture, including several dual-gaming chairs, a 60" flat panel TV, bistro tables and chairs, a new paint scheme and updated wall art.
Phase three
Bistro-style tables, seating and lighting upgrades are planned for the first floor with a "British pub" style décor during phase three. Renovations are scheduled for completion sometime in February.
Phase four
Rounding out the short-term plan, is the renovation of the second-floor's common area into a multi-function conference room with a large table, more welcoming paint schemes and furniture.
Long-term plans
Long-term improvements, programmed for fiscal year 2009 to 2010, include repair of the heating and air conditioning system, renovation of interior finishes, and installation of kitchenettes.
In addition to facility repairs, civil engineering and base leadership are evaluating earlier options to provide residents more space and full-size refrigerators.
Because of low occupancy, opportunities exist for the majority of residents to have two rooms connected in the center by a shared bathroom.
"When our Airmen's parents and family come to visit them, we want the people who send their sons and daughters to us to see how well we're taking care of their loved ones," Chief Page said. "Their children are the defenders of our nation and deserve nothing less."