New temporary lodging underway

Published Feb. 24, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Tony Richardson
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Carolina Pines Inn, Shaw's temporary lodging facility, is currently undergoing a significant expansion project. Seven, two-bedroom TLF units and 17 visitors' quarters are springing up along Myers Street.

"You know, Robert Kennedy was running for president the last time (Shaw) VQs were constructed," said Mike Bayerl, Carolina Pines Inn general manager. That was 1968 when the current visiting quarters were built. Shaw's one-bedroom TLF units were built in 1986.

"The new facilities will really expand our footprint here at Shaw," said Mr. Bayerl. "The new TLFs will have over 900 square feet of living space, compared to the 500 square feet in our existing units." Normally TLFs are occupied by families recently arrived or about to depart, but who don't have permanent quarters. Another feature of the new TLFs is in-room washers and dryers. Today's TLF guests use the on-site, one-per-building, shared laundry facilities.

Included in the 17 new visitors' quarters are six "business suites." These suites will average 375 square feet, compared to the 225 square foot units that were built over 40 years ago. The VQ facility will also have a fitness room with cardio equipment for guests.

Construction is scheduled to be done this fall. Estimated cost of the project, according to Mr. Bayerl, is $6.5 million.

"We have the Army coming in soon, the construction is on an Air Force base, and it's being handled by the Navy Corps of Engineers," said Mr. Bayerl. "This project definitely impacts many parts of the Department of Defense."