Training facilities get facelift Published Jan. 19, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Several current renovation projects are improving key facilities for technical training and professional military education at Keesler. Sixty years ago, Allee Hall was one of three two-story concrete block buildings constructed to serve Keesler's technical training needs. Students from many different courses have passed through the 120,000-square-foot structure. A central hallway splits the building and iscrossed by three tributary passageways. The west side of Allee Hall currently "belongs" to the 335th Training Squadron, while Keesler's Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit occupies the east side. Several previous projects have refurbished the first floor ofAllee Hall, but the second floor has been sorely in need of renovation. The $2.3 million project that began in November is expected to be completed in June, according to CSC architect Bill Allen. Asbestos abatement is being completed before other work starts. The 335th TRS has vacated its side of Allee Hall, while CNATTU is moving its classes from room to room as the project progresses. There are no major changes to room layouts, but ceilings are being gutted and replaced, new flooring is being replaced and walls are being "furred out" before new gypsum board is put in place, Mr. Allen said. Restrooms are being remodeled to provide greater accessibility wherever possible. "We're doing extensive air conditioning renovation and electrical reworking." he added. "A lot of new communication drops are being installed." A few blocks away, Airman Leadership School and the Mathies NCO Academy, woodframe structures built in 1942, are getting facelifts. The price tag for the renovations, scheduled to be completed by the end of February, is $510,000. Work is nearing completion at Airman Leadership School, a 20,000-square foot wood frame structure, where restrooms have been totally renovated, including additional showers for women. Throughout the building, new tile and flooring are in place and most walls have been repainted. The breakroom/kitchen is being transformed with new sinks and flooring. New cabinets should arrive soon. Similar upgrades are progressing at the 20,000-square-foot NCO Academy next door, where major restroom work is under way.