Army Celebrates Progress of New Barracks

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, partnering with Nan, Inc., held a topping-off ceremony on July 24 to mark the halfway point in the construction of a new six-story barracks at Fort Shafter.
“The additional barracks are being built to a high standard,” said Lt. Col. Richard Gledhill, Fort Shafter garrison commander, at the celebration. “Our construction partners here have done an outstanding job in building a quality product that is being delivered to the Army in an expeditious manner ahead of schedule.”
The barracks were scheduled to begin housing 156 soldiers by July 2010. However, the project is running ahead of schedule and is likely to be turned over three months early for government occupation.
The new barracks will house unaccompanied enlisted soldiers, two per unit with separate bedrooms, a shared bath and kitchen. A special texturized paint that is more resilient to wear and tear, moisture resistant and mold proof will be used. Additional improvements from previous barracks include solid interior doors, 9-foot ceilings, solid surface kitchen countertops and 30-inch range ovens.
Paul Choy, project engineer for the Corps, said the barracks will meet the requirements for LEED-silver certification and will match the motif of the buildings around it, namely the Fort Shafter Community Theatre and Building 520.
The event, which included a pupu buffet and live music, also was intended to be a thank-you celebration for the construction workers.
“The whole design and your efforts are truly going to enhance the quality of life for our soldiers,” said Gledhill.