Eielson housing project nears completion

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  After years of construction, the base housing project is approaching completion.

The four-phase project called for the demolition of 331 houses, the construction of 349 new houses and the renovation of 99 existing houses.

The houses that were demolished were 30 years old and older. The new homes are based on the new Air Force design standard, which allows families to live in a larger home with up-to-date architecture and building codes.

Renovations made to housing include new carpeting, windows and paint to enhance the inside of the established homes.

"Being able to move into a new or renovated house is a really unique and positive experience," said 2nd Lieutenant Jacob Flatz, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of Simplified Acquisition Base Engineering Requirements.

Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment has played a large role in the $270 million project. AFCEE director Terry Edwards visited Eielson Aug. 24 to see how the project is finishing up. He visited the completed home of Senior Airman Myers, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron construction manager who recently moved to Eielson and into a new house.

"We love the house," said Airman Myers. "It's the nicest house we've lived in so far and it has plenty of space for our two kids."

According to Airman Myers, moving into the new house set him and his family up for a great start.

"It can be stressful trying to look for a house that meets the family's needs. By moving into a new house, it gives me peace of mind," said Airman Myers.

The projected completion of the project, Spring 2012, will come almost a year ahead of schedule. This is due in part to the cooperation between AFCEE and Eielson.

The Housing Privatization Division of AFCEE manages the Family Military Housing Privatization program, maintains a housing portfolio and provides training to base asset managers. AFCEE is the central location for management of AF housing projects Air Force wide.