Keesler launches building project for 1,067 homes

Published April 4, 2007
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- March 30, Keesler broke ground for the largest military family housing project in Air Force history.

The ceremony in Thrower Park launched construction of 1,067 units at a cost of $287.8 million.

The first block of houses is scheduled to be completed in January 2008, and the last should be turned over in April 2010. Hunt Building Co. has partnered with Yates Construction Co. for the project.

"Hurricane Katrina significantly damaged or destroyed most of Keesler's housing," said Lt. Col. Eddie Richards, 81st Civil Engineer Squadron's program management office. "A decision was made to remove Keesler from Air Education and Training Command's Group II housing privatization proposal after the storm.

"It was determined that Keesler could obtain housing more rapidly by using military construction funding, so Congress inserted $299 million to build the homes," Colonel Richards continued. "The remaining amount is for insurance, overhead and contingencies."

The contract provides a variety of enhancements for housing residents.
Floor plans for the single family and duplex units meet or exceed the Air Force's benchmark square footage standards. All have three or four bedrooms and two stories, except for handicapped-accessible homes, and include a garage.

Single-family detached units are planned for general officers, field grade officers and chief master sergeants. Duplexes house other enlisted members and company grade officers.

Homes have low maintenance exteriors, two-year warranties, four-foot covered entries, large trash enclosures, flagpole holders, name plates, photocell-lighted house numbers and garage door openers.

Neighborhoods include tot-lots, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters, lighted hiking and biking paths, enhanced street lighting, more off-street parking and brick entrance signs with raised lettering. Neighborhood entrances feature 300 feet of impasse fencing on each side.

A minimum of 18 feet above sea level is the standard for finished floor elevations. Existing natural gas, water, storm and sewer utilities are replaced, but usable infrastructure for electrical, cable and communications services are being retained where possible.

Large trees, particularly live oaks and magnolias, are preserved wherever possible. Green space is optimized for future site amenities, such as community centers and swimming pools.

MFH Groundbreaking Ceremony