It’s anchors aweigh for the Federal City
A new campus is taking shape at Algiers base.
(Times Picayune Westbank Bureau - Saturday, September 19, 2009 by Paula Purpura).
The transformation of the Naval Support Activity in Algiers into a federal campus for military, government and private agencies is solidly under way with the footprint for the national headquarters for Marine Forces Reserve, the project’s anchor tenant, taking shape.
A year ago, local leaders and Navy officials signed the final documents setting the stage for the active construction site, where concrete slabs are being poured over 2,600 pilings. By December, project officials expect the exterior walls to be four stories tall overlooking Opelousas and Hendee streets.
Contractor Woodward Design+Build of New Orleans expects the 417,000-square-foot headquarters compound to be occupied by Sept. 15, 2011, the federally mandated deadline for the command’s 1,900 Marines and civilian personnel to move in.
“We’re on track, feeling excited about the prospects and delivering what we said we’re going to deliver,” said retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Mize, who is spearheading the Federal City development.
Using $150 million from the state Department of Economic Development, Federal City planners are constructing facilities for the command and the Marine Forces Reserve Band, which embedded a conductor’s baton and two Marine Corps coins in the building’s concrete last month.
Developers envision that over 15 years, the Federal City will attract other government agencies and private businesses to the campus, ultimately bringing 10,000 jobs to Algiers.
Sat, Sep 19, 2009
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