Renovations close down temporary living facilities until summer

Published April 16, 2013
By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Temporary living facilities at Vance will be unavailable until mid June due to renovations.

On the menu of improvements are better lighting, raised flower beds with benches and smoother walkways.

Those who would normally stay in TLF will stay in the visitor's quarters across the street. Families in need of extra space due to children may get an additional room.

"Our occupancy is usually low, so we don't expect any problems with space," said Billie Lunday, the lodging administrator at Vance. "If things get tight, those here on orders will take priority over visitors, unless reservations were made in advance."

Visitors who don't make reservations will have to stay off base if space isn't available in the visitor's quarters.

Contractors began tearing out the courtyard, sidewalks, trees and shrubs April 15. Trees will be planted behind TLF.

"We want the area to encourage guests to come out of their rooms and interact with each other," said Lunday. "We've been waiting for these improvements for a long time now."

This is the first outdoor renovation for TLF since 1987 -- the year they were built.