Old University Inn coming down

Contractors begin demolition of the old Maxwell lodging facility Monday. Building 157 served the base as billeting for more than 37 years and the area will be put on the Maxwell-Gunter general plan for possible future development. (Air Force photo by Carl Bergquist)

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Old University Inn coming down

Published Jan. 14, 2009
By Carl Bergquist
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- As part of an Air Education and Training Command initiative to reduce Maxwell-Gunter's footprint, the old University Inn, or base lodging located near the Maxwell Officer's Club, began coming down Monday.

"Basically, the measure was taken because the base no longer has a use for the building," said John Prior, Maxwell Support Division civil engineer manager. "Also, the building is in such bad condition it would take a major renovation, to include a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, new sprinklers and many other improvements, to make it livable for another organization."

He said demolition of the building should be completed by the end of the month, and contractors will complete the project by laying sod in the area. The property will be placed on the Maxwell-Gunter general plan and be available for possible future development.

"This action is part of an overall effort by AETC to reduce facility space at Maxwell-Gunter and to save energy," Mr. Prior said. "It is expected the demolition will cost about $400,000."

The building, constructed in 1969 and designated Building 157, served as Maxwell's lodging facility for 37 years. Following construction of the new base billeting complex near Officer Training School, the building was used by Air Command and Staff College faculty members as office space during a renovation of the main ACSC facility.