Aragon getting $1.8 million makeover

Published April 6, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When the Aragon dining facility reopens this summer it will have a fresh, upscale look rivaling any fine dining restaurant and upscale sports bar in town.

One side of the dining hall will feature a fine dining area with contemporary French doors and glass partition, to make use of natural light and offer private lunch meetings. The other side will have a Colorado sports bar feel, with several TVs and high bistro-style chairs and upscale booths. The finishes will include stone and glass accents, new pendent lights over the booths and carpet with a fun vibrant pattern.

"It was through Airmen that we got the ideas and we took off with it," said Capt. Jesse Johnson, 21st Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander.

The aged dining facility is undergoing a $1.8 million renovation project in two phases during the next six months.

The work includes a new front entrance and a handicap accessible entrance. The Airman's dining facility, which first opened in 1970, is long overdue for a new heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit, plumbing system and restrooms, Captain Johnson said.

"The HVAC is basically on its last leg," Captain Johnson said. "The restroom redesign will go along with the new atmosphere, plus, they will be (American with Disabilities Act) compliant. Those two things definitely need to happen."

More than 10,000 meals are served in the Aragon dining facility each month, most of those to Airmen who live on base in the dormitories and use a meal card. But, for the next four months the dining hall will be closed while the first phase of the project is completed. In that time, Airmen who live in the base dormitories will be on their own for meals.

Beginning April 15, those Airmen, about 300, will receive $323.87 a month in their paychecks to cover their meals.

"First thing Airmen need to do is create a budget and stick to it," Captain Johnson said. "They need to understand that the money is for food."

Dorm meetings in March and April featured briefs from finance officials and the Health and Wellness Center nutrition experts, who reminded Airmen to watch their budgets and to choose healthy meals. Meanwhile, the Bowling Center's Strike Zone Café will be open for breakfast from 6 to 8 a.m. weekdays during the renovation.

The four-month wait will be worth it, Captain Johnson said. Airmen will notice a newly revamped serving line, designed so there is no cross flow and to move folks through the line faster.

"This is really good for Airmen quality of life," Captain Johnson said. "It's not only improving the structure but the atmosphere too."

Cheryl Scharff, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron interior designer, joked that some Airmen may not want to leave the dining facility once it's open. The 1980s décor needed to go, she said. The new fine dining area will feature scenic photos from around Colorado while the other side features a fun sports motif, she said.

"This will complete the Colorado theme," said Ms. Scharff. "What Airmen will like most about the facility when it's done is the upscale look, it will be more updated and in current style."

Aragon reconstruction