Dyess Inn receives facelift

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Inns of Dyess recently completed the last of its $4.8 million renovation projects.

The renovation began in December 2010 and ended on Feb. 8, 2012. The two-year project upgraded the interior of building 6240, 7407 and 7409.

"Throughout this two-year period they gutted everything in the rooms and started from scratch," said 2nd Lt. Joshua Pratt, 7th Force Support Squadron. "They started from a skeleton and built it back up. Once the contractors were done, civil engineering came in and made sure the plumbing and electrical systems were still working properly."

Building renovations included secure windows, air-conditioning systems, phone systems and abate asbestos throughout the buildings.

"Now we have what I consider to be a state-of-the-art building," said Karl Owen, Inns of Dyess general manager. "In my 23 years this is the first time the Dyess Inn is up-to-date with current technology. We had always been five, ten years behind."

The improvements to Dyess Inn also included an improved fire safety system.

"Other than the old pull alarms we didn't have any kind of fire notification," said Owens. "Now if a fire drill or actual fire were to occur, our guests will be notified through strobe lights and sirens. Protection of the building with the sprinkler system is going to help save the government millions in dollars for lost of facility."

Enhancements to the building include a new paint job, carpet, vanities, counter tops, TVs, DVD players, mattress sets, sofas, lounge chairs and desk chairs.

"Guests will rave about this building," said Owens.

Building 7409 will officially re-open April 23, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.