Construction projects to change landscape Published Feb. 20, 2009 By Wayne Crenshaw 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The construction business is hurting outside the gates of Robins, but on the inside it's booming like a fireworks show. All around the base buildings are either under construction or soon to be under construction. Others are in the planning stages but awaiting final approval for funding. Those in civil engineering who oversee construction say the number of projects currently going up is not unusual. Bill Deaver III, chief of industrial design in the 78th Civil Engineering Squadron, said the base is at the end of a five-year, $250 million facility-improvement plan. "It's pretty much normal for the past five years," Mr. Deaver said of the amount of current construction. Major construction projects in progress include: Software Support Facility - This $19.4 million, multi-story building is 70,000 square feet and will interconnect Bldgs. 226, 227 and 230 on Perry Street just south of Richard Ray Boulevard. The building is about half finished and is scheduled to open in April 2010. Aircraft Component Repair Facility - This $11.7 million building is 61,020 square feet and includes the demolition of Bldgs. 603, 605 and 369. The building is located at Robins Parkway and Richard Ray Boulevard. It is currently about 20-percent complete and scheduled to open by Dec. 30. Advance Metal Finishing Facility - This $27.5 million building is 98,100 square feet and the project includes demolition of Bldgs. 128 and 148. It will serve as the new Plating Shop. Construction is about 10-percent complete and is scheduled for completion in March 2012. The building is located behind Bldg. 140 on First Street. The contract also includes construction of a 27,000 square foot Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Facility at the end of First Street. Cargo Aircraft Hangar - The $24.1 million facility will house C-130 and C-17 aircraft and is located at the end of Taxiway C. Construction is expected to begin soon. Marine Corps Reserve Center - This $20.2 million project is the result of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, and will serve as the new location of a Marine Corps Reserve helicopter unit. Construction is 27-percent complete and is scheduled for completion in April 2010. The 40,375 square foot building is adjacent to Taxiway 1 in the Outback area of the base. Defense Logistics Agency Warehouse - This $21.6 million building is 167,575 square feet. It is located in the area of Robins Parkway and Martin Luther King Drive. Construction is just getting started and is scheduled for completion in February 2011. Command Post Facility - This $4.3 million building is currently in the design phase and is scheduled for completion in August 2010. The 13,800 square-foot building is located near the Burger King on Tenth Street. Avionics Facility for 116th Air Control Wing - This $5.25 million facility will be located in the J-STARS area. The construction contract is expected to be awarded in July. Small Business Center - This $821,000 building includes 1,800 square feet of new construction plus renovation of the old visitors' center at Ga. Hwy 247 and Richard Ray Boulevard. Completion is expected in April. Dog Kennel - This $1.2 million building will serve as the new home of military working dogs on base. It includes renovation of the existing 1,820 square-foot facility plus 2,000 square feet of new construction. The building is located across from Luna Lake. Completion is expected in July. Package Delivery Building - This $306,000 building is 576 square feet and is located on Tech Road near Ga. 247. Completion is expected in May. Air Force Reserve Command addition - This $1.3 million project will add 5,800 square feet to the Air Force Reserve Command headquarters on First Street. The addition is expected to be completed in August. Commissary - This $15.8 million building is 70,000 square feet and is scheduled to open April 23. The building is located on Macon Street next to the current commissary.