IMCOM's new home bridges past and future

By Ms. Shayna E Brouker (IMCOM)January 19, 2011

Native Texas live oak
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – This live oak, native to Texas, will serve as both shade and centerpiece for the outdoor courtyards. Construction teams were able to save this tree and several others, while those that had to be uprooted were planted elsewhere. The arched walkways ma... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Side view of IMCOM's future headquarters
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Circular light fixture
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Service road between the future FMWRC and IMCOM headquarters buildings
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The new home of Installation Management Command, the Army's home, is under construction at Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston).

IMCOM's subordinate commands, Army Environmental Command and the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, will be located in a former regimental complex with the old barracks converted into offices. The IMCOM headquarters staff will work in a new building constructed on the old parade field in the center of the old barracks. Much of the character of the old buildings remains, including the original 1930s exterior facades and verandas - but are reinforced with modern safety and antiterrorism features such as blast-resistant windows and floors and electronic key access.

Construction teams were also able to keep most of the massive live oak trees intact, providing shade for the courtyard nooks with benches. An underground cistern will collect rainwater to irrigate Texas native plants, such as buffalo grass, which require minimal water nonetheless.

The buildings will all be certified Silver or better under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria established by the U.S. Green Building Council. They are equipped with sustainability in mind, from ultra energy-efficient HVAC and lighting to low-flow toilets. Large windows provide sunlight, and verandas furnished with tables and chairs are ideal for enjoying lunch outside.

The new headquarters are expected to be finished and ready to move into by August 2011.