A New Readiness Center Meets the Needs of the Oregon Military Department and the Community
Camp Withycombe AFRC
The high-quality, sustainable Readiness Center is home to 72 units and serves approximately 1,300 people, including full-time servicemen, traditional guardsmen, and civilian employees. The high-security facility includes offices, classrooms, community spaces, a ‘smart’ auditorium, extensive storage areas, an acoustically balanced band room, and a kitchen and physical fitness space to aid in the recruiting, training, and retention of Guard and Reserve members.
The high-quality, sustainable facility is home to 72 units and serves approximately 1,300 people, including full-time servicemen, traditional guardsmen, and civilian employees. The budget was effectively applied throughout the building so, unlike many reserve centers, there is continuity between the high-end finishes in the lobby and the rest of the building. Specialized facilities include storage for equipment and training gear as well as vehicle maintenance space for Oregon Army National Guard and Army Reserve units. The project included parking, landscaping, and anti-terrorism measures, plus an interpretive center illustrating the history of the 41st Infantry Division in Oregon, with artifacts in glass cases and explanatory signage. The project was completed with zero Lost Time Accidents.
Challenge
Building in the high winds of the Columbia Gorge. The high winds in the gorge meant that dust became a major issue once the site was graded. The wind also caused problems during structural concrete formwork. Moving the forms by crane was sometimes precarious.
Solution
For three months during the first summer of construction, Hoffman used two water trucks continuously, spraying to keep dust contained and away from neighbors downhill. On a staggered schedule each day, Hoffman used a hydrant near the college campus as a filling station, so at least one truck was always in use. And even with winds impacting the concrete work, Hoffman’s concrete subsidiary, Hoffman Structures Inc., beat the schedule on the structure. The foundation and a 32-foot retaining wall came out of the ground without a hitch.
