Builders build new base dorms Published Oct. 14, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Artemy Shpakovsky Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- New dormitories are being constructed here by contractors hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of improving the living conditions of Airmen on base. With the induction of a new squadron and influx of the new Airmen on base, the dorms have also become overpopulated. New Airmen, who came here fresh from technical school and the Airmen currently residing in the dorms have been doubled up in the rooms. "The smallest dorm available right now is supposed to hold about 30 Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Lindsey M. Hollingsworth, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron dorm manager. "But right now this number is not correct - some rooms were not initially meant to house two Airmen at the same time." The new dorms are going to provide a better lifestyle for Minot's Airmen. The project itself cost approximately $17 million. But the dorm being built right now is not the only new asset to the base. "The contract for construction on a second dorm was awarded in September of 2009," said Renetta J. Pearson, 5th CES asset management flight chief. "It will house 168 Airmen and will cost about $21 million. The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." Each of the dorms will be a three story structure with suites or units. Every unit will host four airmen and will provide them with a kitchenette, washer and dryer, and a separate bedroom with a private bathroom. It will also feature a common sitting area. "This suite configuration is designed to allow Airmen to interact with their peers on a daily basis," said Pearson. "It reinforces the wingman concept and develops camaraderie by providing a space for cooking as well as socializing." The assembly of the first dorm began in fall of 2008 and is scheduled to continue until March of 2010. But this will not end the whole construction - landscaping is going to be done in spring of the year of completion. The first Airmen are arranged to move into the new dorm in April of 2010. Airmen will not move into the second dorm until the fall of 2011. "The criteria for the selection of the Airmen have not been set yet," said Master Sgt. Ray B. Bedwell, 5th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "It is still not decided." There are 36 suites in this building, said Jeff Engebretser, site superintendant. And with each unit hosting four Airmen, this dorm will accommodate 144 of them, he said. "It is important the Airmen are well rested to meet the needs of our nuclear mission," Pearson said. "Temperatures in North Dakota can reach 100 degrees in the summer and minus 30 degrees in the winter. During these times people tend to stay inside more. Dorm rooms with individual heating and cooling as well as private bedrooms and baths will provide them the opportunity to sleep as needed in an environment they can control." For more information on dorm construction projects, call 723-4870.