Demolition ahead as Muse Manor closes its doors

Maj. Brian Biggs, a student in the 335th Training Squadron on temporary duty from U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., chats with guest service representatives Devin Johnson and Barbara Brody on Monday. Major Biggs is one of the last guests to stay at Muse Manor before demolition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Demolition ahead as Muse Manor closes its doors

Published July 22, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- It won't be long before Muse Manor is a memory.

Lodging is moving out of Muse Manor by the end of the month so the $1.4 million project to level the building can begin, according to Col. Jeffrey Jackson, 81st Mission Support Group commander.

Preparations are already under way to move front-desk operations to Tyre House by Aug. 1. Lt. Col. Rich Cole, 81st Force Support Squadron commander, expects a seamless transition with little disruption for Keesler's guests.

No more guests are being accommodated at Muse Manor in anticipation of the project.
Muse Manor's age, deteriorating infrastructure, leaky windows, mold, mildew and problems with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning combined to make demolition the best course, Colonel Cole said.

"We've been working with Air Staff, 2nd Air Force and the Air Force Services Agency to determine the best course to follow," Colonel Cole explained. "Muse Manor had many problems that would be extremely costly to remedy. We've only been able to use 40 or 50 of its 427 rooms for several months."

Officials estimate that it would cost about $48 million to build a comparable facility, which isn't in the works for the foreseeable future.