Lodging renovations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sahara L. Fales
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  After years with old facilities, there is a lot happening at Minot Air Force Base's Sakakawea Inn.

Beginning in September 2015, MAFB is slated to start renovations on Bldg. 185 to remodel it from a dormitory to visiting quarters for Airmen who need temporary duty assignment or unaccompanied permanent change of station accommodations.

The lodging on base serves as a hotel for Department of Defense employees and their families who are traveling or have a pcs move to MAFB.

Currently the lodging facility has 75 rooms spread throughout 12 buildings.  33 modular rooms, built in 1972, are reaching the end of their lifespan which poses challenges for staff members to keep them comfortable for guests.

"There are many condition issues we face, because the facility is just that old," said Cori Esselman, 5th Force Support Squadron Sakakawea Inn manager. "Those buildings weren't really meant to last 40 years."

With the addition of Bldg. 185, the older units will be demolished, and the former dormitory is being remodeled.  It will offer 30 rooms and eight suites to replace 27 of the old visiting quarters units.

"Our guests will love the sunny rooms, kitchenettes and private bath rooms," Esselman added. With a $1.1 million budget, existing carpet and wallpaper will be stripped out. Along with new carpeting and freshly textured walls, the facility will also receive new drapes, furniture and light fixtures.

MAFB also has 15 temporary lodging facility units to serve a base population of approximately 5,500 people. A needs assessment validated that additional TLFs were required, a new $18.9 million lodging facility is scheduled to be built to increase the number of TLF units from 15 to 30.

"We're going to be able to house a lot more in our new facility and that's going to be a big improvement for our guests. This means less people will be inconvenienced by having to stay in town," Esselman said.

Each unit will have a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and its own washer and dryer.

The two-story building will also be equipped with an elevator and two handicap accessible rooms.

"When we take care of the Airmen, it shows," said Master Sgt. Scott Devore, 5th Force Support Squadron lodging superintendent. "When they pcs in, it'll definitely make them feel better to come into a brand new facility."

The base also offers TLF units for families who bring their pets. The new facility will increase the number of pet friendly TLF units from 5 to 12.

"It means a lot to families to be able to move with their pets," Esselman said. "In our hearts those pets are family members; it's important for both the family and the pet to stay together during the transition."

The ground breaking for the new facility is scheduled in April 2015.

"We're really excited about this," Esselman said. "It'll be a really great addition to the base and a big improvement to the quality of life for our people."