TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Tyndall is slated to provide new military housing to service members beginning at the end of this month as part of a $42 million housing rebuild effort.
The construction was prompted after base housing was deemed unlivable in 2018 due to damages caused by Hurricane Michael. The category five storm caused $280 million in damages to base housing alone.
Airmen will now have more housing options as 15 homes are expected to be move-in ready per month through September 2023 in Redfish Point Extension.
“The homes were torn down to the studs and renovated,” said Courtland Saunders, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron housing element chief. “We also treated the homes with mold and mildew treatment. They are basically brand-new homes with all new appliances.”
All homes must undergo inspections for health and safety concerns such as exposed wires, falling hazards, running water and more.
The first group of homes are reserved for junior enlisted and noncommissioned officers. Homes assigned to junior enlisted and NCOs will be duplex style homes while single-family homes are given to senior NCOs to company grade officers.
“Having access to base housing gives our Airmen a better quality of life,” explained Saunders. “From being closer to work to having peace of mind while their kids play outside, base housing gives a sense of security.”
Balfour Beatty Communities, the project owner for Tyndall privatized housing, provides amenities to Tyndall neighborhoods including tennis and basketball courts, a pool, a weight room and a community center.
“At the end of the day, our service members are making the biggest possible sacrifice for their country,” said Quin Davis-Ostrander, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron housing specialist. “They deserve to have a great place to live.”
In March 2020, 97 homes were made available in Island View and Sabre Palms neighborhoods, a minimal number compared to the 867 homes in use before Hurricane Michael. A total of 209 homes are to be reopened in this housing iteration, with 289 additional homes expected to be renovated in the future.
The comfort of Airmen and their families has remained a top priority for the 325th Fighter Wing and the DoD throughout Tyndall’s $4.9 billion transition into the “Installation of the Future.” Much like all rebuild efforts, the steady rise of housing options for service members is another example of resilience through adversity and the strength behind Team Tyndall.
To join the housing waitlist, visit https://www.housing.af.mil/ and locate the Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT) to get started.