Photo By 1st Sgt. Carmen Fleischmann | Mr. Brian Smith (right), Deputy Chief of Housing for Fort Belvoir’s Directorate of...... read more read more
FORT BELVOIR, Virginia – On Wednesday, March 16, the Fort Belvoir command team unveiled what they hope will set a new standard of living for unaccompanied Service members.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, Col. David Stewart, reinforced a message shared with every Soldier upon arrival to the installation – one that now resonates even more with the new barracks design.
“This is not a temporary place for you to sleep – this is your home, for however long you’re stationed here. We want to provide you with a place to relax, to cook healthy meals, to share your day with your room mates, and when you want it, your place to enjoy privacy,” said Stewart.
The vision for McRee Barracks, named in honor of Col. William McRee, Chief Engineer of the Army on the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812, began years ago. In 2018, Mr. Brian Smith, Deputy Chief of Housing for Fort Belvoir’s Directorate of Public Works sketched a redesign aimed at offering Soldiers greater independence. The layout result is similar to an off-campus college apartment, providing residents with modern living spaces tailored to their needs.
Each McRee Barracks building contains three suites - one per floor. Every suite includes a common area, a full kitchen with a high-top dining area, a living room, a laundry closet, and four private bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. In addition to the traditional public day room and ground-floor laundry, the suites foster a balance between privacy and community.
“We were focused on creating privacy but without isolation,” said Smith. “It really creates a sense of community within this little suite.”
Security has also been enhanced. Every resident is issued a key card, requiring three separate access points: the building entrance, the suite door, and finally, their individual bedroom. Additionally, the modular design ensures quicker maintenance responses. Instead of a central HVAC system, each landing and bedroom now has its own heating and air-conditioning unit. This means a malfunction won’t affect an entire building, allowing for rapid unit replacements and off-site repairs.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, Stewart and Smith joined Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins, Mr. Yun Heo, Director of Public Works, and Mr. John Volcheck, Chief of DPW’s Engineering Division in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Senior leaders and community partners were then invited to tour one of the new buildings. Throughout the construction process, several senior leaders have toured the new design. And Hopkins hopes they carry this vision to other installations.
“While Soldiers don’t sign a lease, this style of living helps instill a sense of responsibility, and independence, preparing them for off-post housing or life outside of the Army,” said Hopkins. “We want to help Soldiers understand what it’s like to live on their own.”
During the tour, Smith reflected on a particularly proud moment. Outside the barracks, he met a young Soldier and asked how he liked his new home. The Soldier’s response nearly brought him to tears.
“He told me this was the best place he had ever lived,” Smith shared, surprised to learn this was the Soldier’s first duty station. “He said these barracks were nicer than any home he’d lived in growing up. I realized we’re doing our job right if that’s the feedback we’re receiving.”
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2025 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 494138 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR , VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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