DTC and CR architecture + design was awarded the design and construction of the $19 million US Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
The Vehicle Maintenance Shop (VMS) included electrical class 1 div 1 hazardous spaces consisting of explosion proof lighting, outlets and associated code compliant raceway and wiring. The VMS also included compressed air piping systems distributed throughout the spaces, and an oil water separator for maintenance bay drainage.
This facility serves as a Reserve Center and training site for units of the Army Reserve and the Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG). The Army Reserve unit that will occupy the facility is the 246th Quartermaster Company and a Retention Office. The PRARNG unit that will occupy the facility is the 1/126th Infantry Battalion and a Recruiting/Retention Office.
There are approximately 16 people working in the buildings on a full-time basis Monday through Friday, and the largest drill weekend has approximately 274 reservists using the facility. The facility is used two weekends per month for reserve training activities. The Reserves have become an integrated component.
Primary facilities included construction of a 75,000 SF AFRC training building, approximately 21,000 SF Vehicle Maintenance Shop (VMS), approximately 1,800 SF of unheated storage, approximately 10,000 SY for organizational parking, antiterrorism measures and building information systems. Buildings were of permanent construction with HVAC systems, plumbing, mechanical systems, security systems, and electrical systems. Supporting facilities include land clearing, paving, fencing, general site improvements, and extension of utilities to serve project. Physical security measures will be incorporated into design including maximum standoff distance from roads, parking areas, and vehicle unloading areas. Heavy landscaping and bollards were used to prevent access when standoff distances cannot be maintained.
The project included a mass notification and fire alarm system.
