Thursday, November 20, 2008

Warrior-in-Transition Complex to be completed by spring 2011

While 2009 holds some important dates for Belvoir’s brand new and much anticipated Warrior-in-Transition Complex, actual completion of the $70 million project is scheduled for spring 2011.

Randy Godfrey, the installation’s project manager, said a current schedule has the design-build contract being awarded spring 2009 - with site work and actual construction beginning later that summer. Estimated completion of the complex would wrap up two years later.

In looking ahead, Godfrey said it’s important to ensure that all accessible routes are in compliance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and that coordination be done with all adjacent projects, such as the new hospital being built to the north and the 9th Street and Belvoir Road widening projects that are slated to begin next year.

Godfrey said future plans will also address measures like private utility requirements, fire water distribution and communications within the complex. Once finished, the new WT complex will consist of a 194,000 square-foot barracks that can house approximately 300 individuals. It will also be home to a 10,000 square-foot administrative/operations facility and a new 15,000 square-foot Soldiers and Family Assistance Center.

With many wounded Soldiers expected to use the new hospital as a means of continuing their treatment and rehabilitation, officials working on the project agree that placing the WT complex along 9th Street was the best option for long-term results. Under this concept, a new road solely for WT use could be constructed while maintaining all nearby MWR facilities.

Capt. Travante Moten, commander of Fort Belvoir’s Warrior-in-Transition Unit, said current WTs were moved to a renovated building at McRee Barracks last week and that it will be its temporary home until the new complex is built. An official ceremony marking their arrival is scheduled for December.