Groundbreaking marks start of construction of new homes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  A groundbreaking ceremony hosted by BLB Privatized Housing was held April 3 in the Rickenbacker South Neighborhood of Bolling Housing to commence the demolition of old homes and construction of new homes in that neighborhood. 

Col. Brian Bellacicco, Air Force District of Washington Logistics and Mission Support director; Col. Brian Anderson, 11th Mission Support Group commander; Maj. David Hargy, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Robin Johnson, 11th Wing command chief master sergeant, were on hand to witness the event. 

Hunt Pinnacle leaders and senior leaders from the 11th Wing swung six golden sledgehammers to ceremonially take the first strike at the first home built in the neighborhood, 3418 Lackland Way. 

11th Wing Commander Col. Jon A. Roop, operating an excavator, tore down the side of the building moments later. 

Airman 1st Class Coby Poe from the 11th Security Forces Squadron and his wife, Holly, residents of Bolling Housing, were the first to dig up a patch of earth with the 11th CES's ceremonial shovel. 

"The place where we're standing now is where people will one day raise their families, where neighbors will come together for barbecues and picnics," said Robin Vaughn, Hunt Pinnacle executive vice president. 

Colonel Roop added, "What we're building here is a sense of community which focuses on improving the quality of life for our Airmen and their families." 

Clark Builders Group, the project's general contractor, will begin construction on the 119 new homes this fall after the completion of demolition and site work. They will also renovate 23 historic homes and 24 non-historic homes, totaling 671 houses altogether.
The homes in Doolittle Park are set to be demolished at a later date. The land will then be returned to the Air Force. 

Beginning April 6, to facilitate construction of the new homes, Arnold Avenue will be closed at March Circle and north of the Slip Inn. This segment is being demolished, and a riverfront park will be built in its place. Pedestrians will continue to have access to the riverfront from the north and south during construction. A new parking lot will be built across from the Slip Inn to facilitate use of the new park. 

The project is slated for completion in the spring of 2010.