Civil engineer construction corner: base housing demolition

  • Published
  • By Vee Kaufman
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Only one year ago, there were 703 vacant houses west of Cannon Drive near the Youth Center. Today, they are all gone thanks to an aggressive $15 million demolition project. 

While the huge fire on Aug. 16, 2008 destroyed 215 units within an area of approximately 75 acres, there was still asbestos and lead abatement that had to be performed on that debris. 

Streets and sidewalks with the exception of Hackett, Armstrong and Forbes were removed, and a new meandering asphalt walking path has been provided, connecting foot traffic from the corner of Hackett and Fairchild to Armstrong and Forbes Streets. 

Areas north of Forbes and west of Cannon will be temporarily occupied by a paintball field, currently under construction by the 60th Force Support Squadron. This 215-acre parcel of land will be gradually developed over the coming years as the base's recreational hub. Development plans are already in the works for this area with planned ball fields, a new youth center, Outdoor Recreation, Fitness Center annex and the relocated swimming pool.