Development plan calls for construction of 597 new homes Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Cindy Gersch Actus Lend Lease project marketing manager PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tierra Vista Communities, the housing privatization project here, is unveiling its plans to build 597 new homes on base during the next five and a half years. In all, more than 652 homes will be built or renovated during the initial development period. The new housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, a critical component in the effort to eliminate inadequate housing and foster a better quality of life. "The new development at Peterson is aimed at one thing: improving the quality of life for Airmen and their families," said Jim Mullen, Tierra Vista Communities project director. "These homes are larger than the homes currently on base and offer more storage space -- two needs previously identified by Peterson Airmen." Homes for servicemembers of all ranks will range in size from 1,634 square feet to 4,060 square feet. The homes - mostly three and four bedroom models - will feature walk-in closets, master bathrooms and garages or off-street parking. New homes will include a minimum of three bedrooms. Actus Lend Lease was selected by the Air Force as the preferred developer for the $320.6 million community development project at three bases, including Peterson, Schriever AFB, Colo. and Los Angeles AFB, Calif. Once Actus was chosen, immediate plans were put in place to find the best way to deal with customer issues and complaints. "We are 110 percent committed to customer satisfaction and we wanted to get a plan in place to deal directly with any resident issues that may arise," said Mr. Mullen. "We immediately put in place customer service lines where residents can call anytime of day to discuss issues. Since Tierra Vista took over housing at Peterson we have responded to more than 1,300 service calls and assisted more than 150 families move into or out of our housing." As part of the housing agreement, TVC is not only building homes, but communities. Centralized community centers with fitness facilities, meeting spaces and other amenities will be constructed during the initial development period. The centers are planned to serve as activity hubs for residents and will house the property management staff. TVC is also responsible for all snow removal, solid waste and recyclables pick up and individual home lawn maintenance. "We know how many challenges our military families face, and we want to make their living experiences as carefree and positive as possible," said Mr. Mullen. "We worked diligently to do just that and will continue working to ensure all of our residents are happy." Tierra Vista Communities plans to break ground and begin construction on these new homes in spring 2008.