WIESBADEN, Germany - Project and community leaders gathered in Hainerberg Housing May 26 to mark the start of construction of the new Wiesbaden Entertainment Center.
The 27,000-square-foot, two-story facility, which will cost $8.8 million to build, will provide Wiesbaden community members with a state-of-the-art community entertainment center in a central location, officials said.
"This is a very exciting addition for the Wiesbaden community," said Col. Ray A. Graham, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden commander, during the ground-breaking ceremony, describing the many features of the new center.
Located adjacent to the new Wiesbaden Army Lodge which is expected to open this fall, the Entertainment Center will include a 16-lane bowling alley, a pro shop, cafeteria-style Strike Zone restaurant, multi-purpose rooms for meetings and parties, a children's play area, video game area, Java Cafe, video game area and more. It will also feature WiFi access and was designed to meet all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Graham said.
"The facility will be a bona fide one-stop amusement zone with its 16-lane bowling alley, billiards room, slot machine area, restaurant and dance floor," said Col. John Kem, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, commander.
Project completion is expected to occur in January 2010 with the opening slated for that spring, said Roger Gerber, USAG Wiesbaden transformation and stationing officer.
"This is long overdue as an upgrade to our existing facilities," said Gerber, adding that its location should be a major quality of life enhancement with its central location in Hainerberg Housing.
"We're ... proud to help with the continuing effort to modernize and transform this community," said Kem, "and turn it into a community of excellence."
The Europe District commander explained that design plans, in addition to providing for a first-rate entertainment center, were created to ensure "environmental friendliness."
"The project's design meets the rigorous Gold Standard on the Sustainable Project Rating Tool system because of the selective materials used, the water and energy efficiencies designed and the sustainability of the existing environment," Kem said. "It's good for our Soldiers and their families and it's sustainable."
Graham and Wiesbaden Lord Mayor Helmut MAfA1/4ller praised the close working relationship of the U.S. Army and German officials in ensuring the new lodge and entertainment center "open on time and on budget."
Wiesbaden's mayor said he is pleased to see the transformation of the military community "because it means the Americans in this community will have a more comfortable life here.
"As Col. Graham said, we will do everything possible to make sure this project comes to fruition," MAfA1/4ller said.
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