Nearly a century later, Fort Bragg historic homes get new life

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Nearly a century after some of Fort Bragg’s first permanent Family homes were built, the installation is preserving their historic character while preparing them for a new generation of Soldiers and Families.

Fort Bragg and Corvias marked the renovation of the first of 21 historic homes being returned to service on Sept. 29. Built between 1928 and 1939, the residences are part of Fort Bragg’s historic housing inventory and feature distinctive elements including stucco walls, copper gutters, hardwood floors and basements.

Fort Bragg has 230 homes designated as historic, all built before 1940. More broadly, approximately 2,300 of the installation’s 6,104 homes were built before 1960.

“These residences are an important part of Fort Bragg’s history, but their greatest value is continuing to serve Soldiers and Families who live in these homes,” Col. Luke Wittmer, Fort Bragg garrison commander, said. “This renovation preserves history while ensuring we continue to meet the needs of today’s Families.”

The homes date to a pivotal period in Fort Bragg’s development. Originally established as Camp Bragg in 1918, the installation was designated a permanent Army post in 1922. Construction of the first permanent officers’ Family quarters along Alexander and Hunt streets began in 1927, followed by noncommissioned officer Family housing beginning in 1928.

“Normandy Heights,” constructed between 1928 and 1939 for officer Families, incorporated Spanish-style architecture with stucco walls, clay-tile roofs and copper gutters. Nearby, “Bastogne Gables” was developed during the same period for NCO Families.

Preserving those features comes with additional challenges. Historic homes currently take an average of 18 days to prepare between occupants, compared to 15 days for a standard home, and average a cost of approximately $4,342 compared to $3,681. Exterior lead-based paint can also require specialized remediation, with costs averaging between $20,000 and $30,000 per historic home.

The historic renovations are part of a broader effort to improve housing and quality of life across Fort Bragg.

Corvias is placing approximately 14 homes back into inventory with renovations each month, and more than 543 roofs have been repaired or replaced. Of 280 planned medium renovations, 233 have been completed.

“Last year, we saw the largest increase in positive feedback through the satisfaction survey from the people who live in these homes,” he said. “So, the trajectory is absolutely on up and to the right, and we just want to celebrate that milestone with you.”

As Fort Bragg continues modernizing its housing inventory, the historic homes represent a unique challenge: improving where Soldiers and Families live without erasing the architectural character and charm that has survived generations of change across the installation.

Nearly 100 years after Fort Bragg began constructing its first permanent Family quarters, those homes are still fulfilling their original purpose of providing a place for Soldiers and their Families to call home.