By Stephen Satkowski
USACE Far East District Public Affairs
U.S. ARMY GARRISON HUMPHREYS, South Korea--A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for a troop mini mall at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys Nov. 8. The Far East District was instrumental in the design and oversaw construction on the building, part of a project that includes an auditorium, community activities center, post office and chapel in the surrounding areas.
“This project provides vital facilities, intentionally located adjacent to enlisted personnel housing and senior leader quarters, that directly contributes to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of Soldiers stationed at USAG Humphreys,” said John Noll, Far East District Project Manager, Korea Program Relocation Office.
Five buildings, built for four different organizations with different preferences and ways of doing business, was just one of the challenges during the project, said Noll.
“This project had five unique buildings that required their own special care and attention,” said Noll. “Although there were significant design and construction challenges on this project, the project delivery team came together and implemented creative solutions to work through each and every one of them. The contractor, end users, Directorate of Public Works, Ministry of National Defense-Defense Installations Agency and the Far East District worked seamlessly to provide USAG Humphreys with a project that placed quality and safety above all else.”
Noll said his working relationship with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) was critical to seeing this project to a successful conclusion.
“Throughout the entire project, AAFES provided constant support, positive contributions to group discussions, and gave their input to solving problems, producing results, and putting Soldiers and their families first,” said Noll.
The mini mall project was awarded on Dec. 31, 2012, and turned over to the garrison on Sept. 14 for a total construction period of 3 years and 8 and a half months.