U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Christopher Hubenthal.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CA -- Vandenberg Air Force Base’s new fitness center is under construction and set to be green.

The 51,000-square-foot fitness center integrates contemporary technologies, modern architecture and environmentally friendly features, according to ECC, an engineering and construction company in Burlingame, CA, that is providing design-build services for the new facility.

Major design features include three NCAA-sized basketball courts, three volleyball courts, two massage rooms, four saunas, a juice bar, shower and locker facilities, administration offices, and a 7,800-square-foot cardio and free weight area. The construction cost for the facility is marked at about $15.5 million.

The new building follows Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System guidelines and principles, says Eric Rypple, ECC senior structural engineer.

“When designing the center, our team tailored our concept drawings to retain the integrity and architecture of the base, while at the same time, incorporating LEED design and construction standards and state-of-the-art amenities,” Rypple says.

Although a groundbreaking was held earlier this year, project managers have also made a top priority to save as many trees as possible, says Don Popma, a base project manager.

The fitness center is scheduled for completion in March 2009.

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