New dormitory is taking shape Published Sept. 10, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affiars KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Construction on Keesler's first new permanent party dormitory in 50 years is about 28 percent complete. Ground was broken on the $14,453,279 structure in December. Completion is scheduled for next August. The structure is just east of the new commissary and across Meadows Drive from the base postal center. The dormitory will house 144 personnel in four-room modules. Each module includes private bedroom s and bathrooms along with a common kitchen, living space and laundry facility for the occupants. There'll be a single-story commons building, central chiller plant and recreational spaces located in an outdoor courtyard. So far, columns are being installed on the three buildings. Concrete decks are in place and concrete block is 4-feet high on the second floor of Buildings A and B. The storm sewer is being installed in the parking lot. Connections under 6th Street for communications, gas and water are being installed and completed. Electrical duct bank placement continues. Sanitary sewer manholes and lines are being installed, and the contractor has a dig permit and is getting elevations to determine options for a sanitary sewer outfall line on the site.