BY DENISE EMSLEY – PEARL HARBOR – A ground breaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony held on Oct. 5 marked the beginning of construction for the first Child Development Center (CDC) on Ford Island and the third new CDC at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).
“Today we break ground for a third, new and sorely needed, Child Development Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH),” said Capt. Richard Kitchens, commander JBPHH. “This CDC is a great step towards relieving a backlog of hundreds and hundreds for children who are awaiting slots in a modern, purpose-built safe child development center.”
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded the $15,869,000 firm-fixed price contract to RMA-ECC, LLC, a joint-venture from in Anaheim, Calif., in December 2009 to design and build the sustainable facility. NAVFAC Hawaii is the executing authority on this project as with the other CDCs being constructed.
The contract requires the removal and relocation of monkey pod trees, curbs, sidewalks, and other infrastructure to make room for the new building. When complete in January 2012, the 37,404 square foot facility will provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for 304 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years-old.
The CDC will contain 24 flexible activity rooms, a 1,200 sq. ft. commercial kitchen, laundry and restroom facilities, storage, training rooms, and administrative spaces. The floor plan allows classroom windows to overlook central courtyards that feature age-appropriate playground equipment
A sustainable design will be implemented and features low-flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, solar water heating, and an efficient air conditioning system that will ultimately contribute to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.
“As you can tell from the rendering on the programs, this Child Development Center is going to be a beautiful facility as well as a jewel on this National Historic Landmark of Ford Island,” said Capt. John Coronado, commanding officer NAVFAC Hawaii.
Under Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, there are currently nine CDCs and 29 Child Development Homes that accommodate 794 children. With the completion of the new Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, and Wahiawa CDCs an additional 769 quality child care spaces will become available for Navy and Air Force families.
Denise Emsley is the Public Affairs Officer for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command