Contractors continue making progress on newest barracks construction project at Fort McCoy
Significant strides have been made in the construction of the third four-story, 60,000-square-foot barracks at Fort McCoy, with progress visibly accelerating since framing began on January 31. By March 29, the steel framework of the building was increasingly taking shape.
Ken Green of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resident Office at Fort McCoy reported on March 29 that construction was about 16 percent complete. The warmer spring weather is expected to further speed up the process.
Awarded to BlindermanPower (Construction) in June 2023 for over $28 million, the project kicked off following a notice to proceed in late September 2023. The barracks are being built with robust materials and include the latest construction technologies, focusing on physical security and energy efficiency. The project, expected to be completed within 780 calendar days, aims for an October 2, 2025, completion.
In addition to the steel framing, work on decking and stairs is also underway, marking another step in Fort McCoy’s modernization, which aligns with the Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) priorities: people, readiness, and modernization. These priorities emphasize the training and readiness of soldiers and civilians, along with innovative logistical support and modernization efforts. More about AMC’s objectives can be found on their website.
The project also mirrors the Army Installation Management Command’s (IMCOM) goal of maintaining the Army’s infrastructure in prime condition for housing and training soldiers. Detailed information about IMCOM’s mission is available on their website.
Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger, in a town hall session, outlined the strategic vision for Fort McCoy, projecting goals for 2030, 2035, and 2040. This vision includes becoming a center of excellence for training and mobilization, especially for the Army Reserve.
Since fiscal year 2019, construction investments at Fort McCoy have significantly contributed to the installation’s annual economic impact. In five years, over $217 million has been spent on new construction, with more than $1.3 billion allocated to operating costs, maintenance, new projects, supplies, services, and civilian salaries.
Fort McCoy, the sole U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin, has been a key training and support facility for over 100,000 military personnel annually since 1984. For more information, you can visit Fort McCoy’s website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter, or download the Digital Garrison app, where Fort McCoy is featured as part of the Army’s Installation Management Command.
