Photo By Sgt. Julian Elliott-Drouin | Marine Corps Base Hawaii leadership and the Mackie Hall demolition project team pose...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — As word of the demolition of Mackie Hall disseminates, as its whispers reach more and more ears, one can observe both resounding cheer and solemn reminiscence. The barracks, originally condemned in the ‘90s and infamous for its poor living conditions, has been well overdue for a makeover. Two years ago, the Marine Corps envisioned something rising from the rubble: a more modern barracks, and after meticulous planning, Marines will have a place they can be proud to call home.
Mackie Hall was one of eight 1600-series barracks completed in 1976, housing up to 408 Marines, and in the early 2000s the barracks were converted from three-man to two-man rooms.
“Marines with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalion under 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, resided in Mackie Hall between rotational deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment -- all units which have since then decommissioned,” said Gary Johnson, deputy director, Unaccompanied Personnel Housing.
The demolition of Mackie Hall falls under Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s 5th Generation Living plan with military construction projects in place to upgrade facilities in accordance with Barracks 2030, a Marine Corps initiative to improve the quality of life of Marines through the modernization of facilities and the professionalization of barracks management.
The demolition is planned for December of 2024, with the new building projected to be complete by February of 2028. 380 bed spaces will be constructed with upgraded materials, replacing the current 408 while still recognizing the functionality of the space. The new building aims to fulfill the daily needs of the individual Marine.
“The new barracks will boast sufficient laundry facilities, as well as shared spaces that include a fully equipped kitchen, a separate gear washing area, bike racks, and picnic pavilions,” said Molly Winchester, construction manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific.
The new building will stand as a testament to the Marine Corps’ investment in the quality of life of its service members. Not only will the barracks receive an upgrade, but furnishings, recreational rooms, and common rooms will be updated regularly in accordance with the Barracks 2030 plan. The replacement of Mackie Hall is a small, but important part of the Marine Corps-wide initiative to modernize facilities, improve their interiors, and professionalize the management of the barracks, allowing Marines to focus on their mission.
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2024 17:26 |
| Story ID: | 484188 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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