USACE breaks ground on new youth center in Brussels

By Ms. Rachel V Goodspeed (USACE)January 21, 2010

Students helped the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District and the U.S. Army Garrison Brussels break ground on a new youth center January 20 marking the beginning of construction on the $6.4 million facility that will accommodate roughly 150 st...
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BRUSSELS, Belgium - New construction is becoming a common sight for the U.S. Army Garrison Brussels and its students. Soon, the community will now see another new facility under construction on the Sterrebeek Annex grounds.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District and the garrison broke ground on a new youth center January 20 marking the beginning of construction on the $6.4 million facility that will accommodate roughly 150 students.

Garrison officials said the new center will compliment Brussels American School assets by having it co-located with the school, according to recent news story.

"The Army community in Brussels is undergoing a huge transformation to their youth support facilities and we are helping set the state for that," said Dietmar Wittmann, the district project manager. "We are just one of the many dedicated teams that will bring this new youth center to the warfighters and their families."

The center includes a large open activity area, three activities rooms to accommodate a variety of activities to include arts and crafts, a computer lab/homework center, a large multi-purpose room, snack/kitchen area and a teen lounge.

"But the best part of this facility are the little things to ensure the children that are here will be safe," Wittmann said.

The facility includes video monitoring system and other site improvements along with anti-terrorism/force protection measures. In addition, it will be handicapped accessible.

"This project will provide a modern and efficient facility to support the needs of middle school-age children and teens to support of our great team members stationed here," Wittmann said. "We are working diligently with our partners to ensure a quality facility."

Construction on the youth center is scheduled to be complete in early 2011.

Related Links:

USACE News

Brussels American School

Europe District photos

USACE Europe District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers