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12 December 2002
Out with the old, in with the new
Area homes are being transformed from old 'eye sores' into homes that residents can be proud to show off. McNair Village is one of the first post housing units to be touched by these renovations.
Equipped with minor interior upgrades and extensive exterior changes, these living spaces can now compete with homes off post.
"We really did a cosmetic look on the outside, reshaped the landscape, put fences in, enclosed the backyard with a privacy fence and painted the brick making it look more like a home," said Steve Lockhart, property manager, Fort Hood Family Housing Limited Partnership.
A sound wall was built behind the homes to limit the amount of noise created by road traffic and an adequate draining system was added to protect the basements from flooding.
Interior changes include replacing old appliances, restoring wood flooring, adding carpeting, fixing damage, improving the basement lighting, leveling out the back porch and painting.
"It's been a big change, but it's all been good," said Ursula Rushing, housing manager. "Today's family is different then it was 20 or 30 years ago and definitely will meet the needs of the soldiers and the military families we have now," said Rushing.
The new renovations are drawing attention from soldiers who may not have considered post housing as an option before.
Spc. Scott Mortensen, Company C, 115th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, has been involved with the military for most of his life and after being in the military for almost nine years Mortensen has a lot to compare McNair Village to. While looking into on post housing, he was directed to McNair Village by a friend.
"This is a lot nicer than any place I've ever lived in," said Mortensen. "I've been on a lot of different military installations and this is by far the nicest housing I've seen so far."
The changes that were made to the housing units are receiving warm welcomes and making on post living a comfortable option.
"I don't think I'm even going to check prices downtown," said Mortensen. "What's the point now?"
Soldiers living on post are recognizing the changes as well. Spc. Keyshia Means, Company C, 115th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, has been at Fort Hood for two years and appreciates the upgrading that post housing is receiving.
"What I like most about McNair is that it's not cluttered," she said. "The living room is off to itself, the bedroom is off to itself, it's not just one space."
The homes are three levels, equipped with a basement, main level and an upper level. All bedrooms are housed on the upper level, while the living room, dining room and kitchen are on the main level.
"It's amazing the amount of space you get here," said Katelin Clifton, military spouse and McNair Village mayor. "We would never be able to afford anything like this off post."
Most soldiers that move on post save money, said Lockhart. We're trying to lift a financial burden off of soldiers while giving them a place to live in that they can be proud of. The whole post is changing.
"If you go through post and compare the renovations that have already been completed to those we haven't gotten to yet, you'd see the renovated housing is much better," said Marvin Williams, community manager.
The renovating design was created with the help of focus groups and residents, said Lockhart. "We had a lot of residential involvement to get where we are today."
Focus groups gave designers feedback and allowed them to come up with a product that benefited everyone involved.
Even now, residents' feedback is changing future renovation plans. So far, the feedback has been positive, said Rushing. "It looks great and the area landscape is wonderful. That's what sells and that's what makes people want to stay on post."
People come on post for different reasons, said Williams. Our goal is to make on post housing better or comparable to off post housing.
Besides home renovations, landscape was a big issue for designers. They wanted to create a neighborhood, a place where soldiers could feel that their families were safe.
Clifton likes the security the new homes offer and the number of children in the area gives neighbors a common bond.
"It's a safety thing," she said. "Your neighbors are so close and they know you well enough that they can tell if something's wrong in the area."
Playgrounds are also being built to cater towards the children in the area.
"Part of the renovations include going through the various villages, making sure that each village has an ample amount of playgrounds conducive to the ages of children in that village," said Williams.
"It's the whole package," said Lockhart. "Not just the housing, but the playgrounds and convenience as well."
"What we're trying to do is not just give you a house, but build you a community," he added.
The renovations made to McNair is just the beginning of the changes expected to be made to housing on Fort Hood. McNair is scheduled to be completed by June.
Story by Pfc. Kelly Hunt, Sentinel staff writer
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