Junior enlisted housing construction project continues at Fort Cavazos

By Eric Franklin, Fort Cavazos Public AffairsJanuary 23, 2024

A contractor from Lendlease hoses down debris from demolished housing in former Chaffee Village neighborhood to control dust on Fort Cavazos.
A contractor from Lendlease hoses down debris from demolished housing in former Chaffee Village neighborhood to control dust on Fort Cavazos. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Shawn Davis) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Fort Cavazos has entered the second phase of its housing development project to improve living conditions for junior enlisted Soldiers and their Families. Lendlease’s subsidiary, Cavalry Family Housing, demolished 1950s-era homes in the Heritage Heights neighborhood (formerly Chaffee Village) on Dec. 21, 2023. This marks the second of several sections slated for new construction, with nearly 600 state-of-the-art homes planned in the next three years.

“Starting this next phase is a culmination of hard work,” said Cavalry Family Housing Project Director Chris Albus. “It’s more than just demolition; it’s about making room for modern, high-quality living spaces for our Soldiers.”

The new three-bedroom, two-bath homes will feature open floor plans, gathering spaces, modern finishes and increased storage. The Heritage Heights neighborhood will also include walking paths, community gardens and a dog park to foster a vibrant and connected community.

“The military community is buzzing with anticipation and excitement,” Albus explained. “The feedback from Families who have already moved into the newly constructed homes has been overwhelmingly positive. We are building not just houses, but homes that will fortify the foundation of our military community.”

Brian Dosa, Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works director, acknowledged the challenges of relocating families before demolition.

“The biggest challenge is ensuring we care for the Families living in the homes,” Dosa said. “We had to move many Families to new homes in other villages, including the brand-new homes in Heritage Heights. In fact, Families required to move from Chaffee homes were given top priority for the new units.”

Contractors from Lendlease observe the demolition of old housing in the formerly known as Chaffee Village neighborhood at Fort Cavazos.
Contractors from Lendlease observe the demolition of old housing in the formerly known as Chaffee Village neighborhood at Fort Cavazos. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Shawn Davis) VIEW ORIGINAL

Dosa also emphasized the importance of safety and minimal disruption during the demolition and construction phases.

“Our contractor has vast experience and safety is our top priority,” Dosa assured. “We’ve taken steps to mitigate all hazards, including disconnecting utilities before starting work.”

The long-term vision for Heritage Heights is to create a thriving community that caters to the needs of military families. As part of Lendlease’s $420 million housing improvement program, the new development will offer a significant upgrade from the aging infrastructure of the past.

“These demolitions are required to clear space for new homes in the eastern half of Chaffee Village,” Dosa explained. “The neighborhood will be renamed Heritage Heights after completion, including a playground, dog park and other family-friendly amenities.”

With modern amenities and improvements, Cavalry Family Housing unveiled in June 2023 the first completed section of its privatized military housing community with brand-new homes in the newly named Heritage Heights neighborhood.

These homes mark the initial construction at the installation since 2018 and play a crucial role in the five-year development plan for Cavalry Family Housing, in line with the Army’s 2030 vision.

As the Heritage Heights project continues to evolve, its primary aim is to improve the quality of life for service members, bolster their preparedness and showcase the nation’s enduring commitment to its military personnel.

The project’s progress not only highlights the dedication of Fort Cavazos leaders but also highlights a promising future for those currently stationed at the Great Place.