The overhaul of the two buildings of the Air Force Material Command will be its first since the 1940s
By Bryn Dippold
The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will be undergoing its first all-encompassing renovation since its construction over 50 years ago. AFMC is responsible for achieving critical priorities for the Department of the Air Force, and it develops, delivers, supports and sustains war-winning capabilities to ensure our nation’s competitive advantage, its website says.
“A recent facility systems assessment indicated that the building’s systems would continue to degrade until a complete renovation was done,” Amy Daniels, civil engineering program manager at AFMC, said in a press release. “This comprehensive recapitalization will update the site security, life safety measures, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and IT infrastructure to increase the reliability and performance of the complex.”
AFMC consists of two different buildings: Building 262, built in 1942, and Building 266, built in 1964. The historic buildings of the AFMC headquarters have not undergone complete renovation since they were built, though partial renovations and small changes have been made.
The renovation will address many issues at the AFMC headquarters, including outdated mechanical, electrical and communication systems, water damage and a declining stormwater system.
Though the upgrades seem run of the mill, the project also includes a community area for those in Dayton to support teaming, informal gatherings and collaborative work.
“The community area will include the Wright-Patterson Credit Union, a barber shop, a laundry/dry cleaning facility and an AAFES-run food court that will include brand name food vendors and a self-service grab-n-go,” Robert Gingell, chief of the AFMC headquarters campus renovation, says. “The dining area will have electrical outlets and Wi-Fi so it can be used as an ad-hoc meeting area, perfect for teaming and collaboration in a more relaxed setting.”
For the construction work, a $118 million contract was awarded to Messer Construction in June 2023 for the project. One issue with construction is that it cannot be interrupted, so over 1,000 workers have been temporarily moved to other working locations.
The project, which involves phases for Building 262, will not be finished until 2032. Phase 2 will start in 2028, and phase three will start in 2030. The renovations for Building 266 will continue past 2030 with additional phases.
The long-term renovation will meet Department of Defense sustainability requirements, meaning it will be 30% more energy efficient than a baseline model, according to a press release from AFMC. Though the goal of the project is to provide a more “efficient and comfortable workplace,” it also hopes to “amplify” warfighting culture. This will be achieved by “creating an environment that supports operational readiness, enhances training capabilities and aligns with the commitment of to excellence in mission execution,” the press release says.
“The renovated complex will certainly be a more enjoyable place to work, hopefully improving employee performance and overall retention,” Daniels adds.
Preserving the history of AFMC is an important facet of the project, while also encompassing modern efficiency and sustainability.
“This renovation will help the AFMC mission by increasing reliability and performance of the complex for another 50 years,” Daniels says.