Carothers Construction, Inc., Water Valley, MS, was awarded a $7,145,300 contract to construct a new Child Development Facility at Columbus Air Force Base, MS. The new center will provide daycare and learning opportunities for 128 children including infants, pre-toddlers, toddlers, and preschool-age children. The center, with approximately 24,000 square feet, houses a large reception and multipurpose room along with a full-service kitchen, library and offices. The facility is a one-story steel frame with reinforced concrete foundation and floor slab. The projected construction schedule is 14 months.
The contract includes four options: a walkway cover, exterior storage buildings, irrigation system, and a force protection fence. The exterior of the building is representative of other new buildings on the base, with the main feature being the round lantern on top of the building. The façade is a brick veneer with cast stone accents and features the traditional southern interpretation of Greek architectural columns with ornamental cast iron base and collars. An architectural shingled roof completes the exterior systems.
