Representatives from the Department of the Army, Fort Huachuca, R. L. Workman Homes, LLC and Michael's Military Housing prepare to cut the ribbon and open five sets of senior enlisted quarters in Coronado Village during a grand opening ceremony, Marc...

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- With the opening of five new homes on Fort Huachuca, Soldiers and families stationed here now have more available housing options.

Mountain Vista Communities opened the new homes in Coronado Village neighborhood with a ribbon cutting during a grand opening ceremony March 30. Representatives from the Department of the Army, Fort Huachuca, R.L. Workman Homes, LLC and Michael's Military Housing were on hand for the celebration.

"Three years ago, we had a vision for the housing here at Fort Huachuca and now that vision continues to become a reality," explained Heather Plummer, senior vice president of Jillden Realty Management Company, a division of the Michaels Military Housing Organization, while addressing the crowd.

"We are extremely proud to be trusted with this noble effort and even more proud to have delivered on the promise to offer military families of Fort Huachuca new, modern housing as well as a variety of community amenities that will enhance their quality of life."

Once construction is complete, Coronado Village will consist of 45 new homes. The three to four bedroom homes are for senior enlisted servicemembers, E-7 through E-9, and their families. The homes feature granite counter tops, stainless General Electric high-end appliances, maple cabinetry, ceramic tile, two-car garages and full landscaping.

The homes are being built by R.L. Workman Homes, LLC to meet the needs of the modern military family. They include extra storage space, a split floor-plan and large entertainment areas which Plummer said were specifically requested by Fort Huachuca housing resident focus groups.

The 45 new homes in Coronado Village are replacing 165 smaller homes built in the 1950s. This is the second phase of Mountain Vista Communities' three-phase project here. Phase one consisted of construction of new homes in the Gatewood and DeAnza Villages. To date, Plummer said 117 of the 201 planned homes have been built, putting the housing project seven months ahead of schedule.

"We will begin the Signal Village demo[lition] and construction later this year. Once this is completed, MVC will begin construction of a new maintenance facility and community center. The community center will feature a Frisbee golf course, sports fields, fitness center, internet cafAfA and more," explained Jolene Cooper, marketing outreach coordinator.

Coronado Village is part of the Department of the Army's Residential Communities Initiative to privatize housing. Michael's Military Housing entered into a 50-year partnership with the Army, creating Fort Huachuca Mountain Vista Communities in 2009. MVC manages all housing on post.

"... the Army gave us the opportunity, and together we will take care of those who are defending our freedom 24/7," Plummer added.