JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Construction on a new child development center broke ground April 19 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, thanks to the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s continuous focus on quality-of-life infrastructure.
The $49 million project is part of the Department of the Air Force’s larger, multi-year investment plan to provide high-quality childcare infrastructure for families at Air and Space Force installations.
“People are our greatest strength and we’re committed to ensuring they have safe, healthy, efficient and resilient places to live and work,” said Dr. Tim Sullivan, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s interim built infrastructure executive director and Facility Engineering Directorate chief. “Through our construction and modernization programs, we provide right-sized and sustainable infrastructure which accommodates the needs of Airmen, Guardians and families.”
The 41,000 square-foot facility at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston addresses growing capacity demands and will significantly improve access to childcare for military and civilian families. It will accommodate more than 300 infants and children ages six weeks through five years old. It will also include amenities such as child-learning space, play and sleeping space, administrative support area, kitchen area, outdoor play areas, and supporting infrastructure and utilities.
The project is a collaboration between several AFIMSC and AFCEC teams, JBSA’s 502nd Air Base Wing and other mission partners to include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The CDC is going to be a state-of-the art facility and we’re eager to start construction after a thorough design process with our partners,” said Col. George Nichols, AFCEC Facility Engineering Directorate deputy director. “By joining forces, we’re on same page to deliver the CDC program on schedule and within budget.”
AFCEC, DAF’s primary organization for full-spectrum installation engineering services, is working hand-in-hand with its sister organization, the Air Force Services Center. The services center designs and manages child and youth programs for Air and Space Forces installations. Together, AFSVC and AFCEC bring critical installation and mission support, helping the Air Force maintain a competitive edge by taking care of their families so they can focus on their missions.
“Taking care of family members is integral to our ability to sustain ready and resilient Airmen, Guardians and families,” said Col. Carolyn Ammons, AFSVC commander. “Working as one team with AFCEC helps ensure our Child and Youth Program can deliver the safe, quality childcare facilities our DAF families need and deserve.”
AFCEC awarded the project through USACE’s Fort Worth District in August 2023 and will manage the effort, tentatively scheduled for completion in October 2025.
DAF is also planning to build a CDC at JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph. Both are currently designed and awaiting construction award this year. In addition, a CDC at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, is currently under construction.