Dormitory revivification on-going

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman unaccompanied housing renovation project is currently underway. Three out of the five facilities, Columbia, Atlantis and Endeavor dormitories, will receive a number of cosmetic and structural updates.

"Quality of life is an on-going project of the Whiteman community," said Tech. Sgt. Shaney J. Bowlds, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron, superintendant of Unaccompanied Housing. "The renovations are for the Airmen. Their well-being is my number one priority."

Each dorm has a fiscal year for renovations. Columbia is currently being renovated.

Changes for Columbia will include new carpet, fresh paint, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit and an upgraded plumbing system.

The current two-pipe HVAC will be replaced with a four-pipe HVAC, two pipes for heating and two pipes for cooling. Two separately piped systems allow heated and cooled water to flow simultaneously. Digital thermostats will be installed in every room.

"Columbia could be ready as soon as September 2010, or as late as January 2011," said Sergeant Bowlds.

Once the renovation is complete, Airmen currently living in Atlantis will be moved to Columbia permanently.

Renovations for Atlantis are scheduled for 2011, and Endeavor is scheduled for 2012. Renovation details are still being finalized.

Wireless internet has also recently been installed in the dayrooms of every facility.

Dorm life extends further than the actual dorms. With this is mind, unaccompanied housing residents can expect a recreation area to be constructed between Discovery and Columbia throughout summer 2010.

"I saw all the open space outside and wanted to create something nice in its place," said Sergeant Bowlds. "The point is to make a spot where people 'want' to gather and utilize the resource."

Shortly after, six-hundred-thousand dollars were funded to an idea that started as napkin scribbles.

The recreation area is scheduled to add a regulation-size volleyball court, a covered pavilion, his and her latrines and benches surrounding a large court. The pavilion will house a stone grill and picnic tables.

The Airmen are responding well to the news.

"I think it's great," said Kaitlyn Simmons, Atlantis dorm resident.  "It gives an opportunity for more people to socialize. It's healthy because it will deter the boredom of some Airmen and give them constructive activities."

The outdoor project is scheduled to be completed by late summer.