CLR049 84-Person Dormitory

Owner:  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Architect: MCG Explore Design

UNIT COMPANY was awarded this project in spring 2023. This 39,795 SF design‑build project constructed a new three‑story, 84‑person dormitory at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska, supporting the planned Consolidated Civil Engineering/Security Forces Squadron Facility. The dorm housed ranks E‑5 through E‑9.

The building was organized into east and west wings joined by a centralized common core. Studio units occupied the east wing, while one‑bedroom units were located in the west wing. On Level 1, the manager’s office was positioned with direct sightlines to the centrally located elevator, enhancing visibility and security. The elevator shaft was sized to meet manufacturer requirements. Bulk storage was placed adjacent to - and accessed through - the manager’s office for efficient inventory control.

The common core provided laundry rooms, storage, and janitorial spaces on each floor, along with stacked telecommunications and electrical rooms. Four diverse dayrooms were constructed to offer residents multiple options for social engagement.

Site and Facility Construction

The project included extensive site work, including new parking stalls, relocation of sports fields, and upgrades to the existing substation and utility infrastructure. The dormitory was constructed of concrete masonry with a reinforced slab‑on‑grade and EIFS exterior, topped with a standing seam metal roof.

A new connection to the existing steam distribution system was installed to serve the dormitory and future facilities. Mechanical systems included a supplemental boiler to support peak shaving during the coldest months. Electrical upgrades improved the 138kV substation with a redundant step‑down transformer, air switches, a circuit breaker, and connections to existing switchgear. New feeder conductors were installed in spare conduit from the primary substation switching station to enhance electrical resiliency.

The project also installed buried electrical service with a pad‑mounted transformer, a backup diesel generator, and buried fiber‑optic communications from the base system to the dorm. A new buried concrete utilidor carried potable water, steam, and condensate to the facility. Sanitary waste was conveyed via a lift station to the existing sewage system. Fire protection requirements were met through a new fire‑water well and pump, as the existing infrastructure could not provide adequate flow.

Additional Features

Due to extreme winter conditions at Clear SFS, an above‑ground severe‑weather passageway was constructed to connect the new dormitory to Building 209, allowing personnel to move between facilities without exposure to harsh weather. The project also replaced and relocated the softball field and tennis court, both of which were completed with lighting and fencing.