The Korte Company secured the extensive renovation project for the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. This three-story, 140,630-square-foot dormitory, known as Building 2701, was originally built in 1988 with masonry units and was in need of substantial improvements. The renovation was undertaken to support the Navy’s goal of providing high-quality and comfortable housing to attract and retain top-tier personnel.
The building’s layout includes five separate wings, forming two small courtyard areas and one central courtyard. The main entrance encompasses common spaces, administration offices, a reception desk, lounge, mechanical/electrical/utility room and a vending area.
The housing wings consist of double-loaded corridors with bedroom modules on both sides, totaling 171 two-bedroom resident modules (342 bedrooms). Each existing module contains two bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
The renovation project adhered to guidelines from the Installation Appearance Plan (IAP), which provides both aesthetic and functional direction to maintain the overall base appearance. The upgrades brought the facility in line with current UFC Navy housing standards, building codes, anti-terrorism standards, Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility requirements, seismic regulations and energy codes.
To minimize on-base housing shortages, building repairs were phased. Construction proceeded in stages, with repairs limited to half of the dwelling units at any given time. During the initial phase of work, the unaltered rooms were occupied by enlisted personnel, ensuring habitability and accessibility throughout the project.
