Mission Support Group Complex - Barksdale Air Force Base, LA

Pond designed the new Mission Support Group (MSG) Complex at Barksdale AFB to support the consolidation of the 2nd MSG and related functions into one facility. The bed down of the USAF Global Strike Command (AFGSC) will locate approximately 1,200 additional personnel at Barksdale AFB. The program for the AFGSC bed down called for locating command personnel in Buildings 5345 and 5541, which were occupied by the 2nd MSG personnel and other tenants. Accordingly, the 2nd MSG required a new facility to improve efficiency between functional groups and reduce overall space utilization while improving customer service.

The program for the new $24M MSG facility called for the design of a three-story administrative building with an overall gross area 85,433 square feet. This building includes command and control areas and administrative functions, conference areas, classrooms and workspace for 15 functional units. The exterior of the facility will complement and blend with the adjacent buildings in the Community Area of Barksdale AFB while looking toward the future. The proposed complex includes curtain wall window and storefront systems, brick veneer on steel stud framing, masonry water table and standing seam metal roof. The building features a one-story waiting area along the front façade and a dynamic three-story atrium space and main lobby.

Designed as a LEED® Silver facility, the project features sustainable site design, water use reduction, optimized energy performance and environmental controls, and innovation in architectural design to include day lighting concepts and shading devices. Selection of all building systems considered durability, maintainability and overall life-cycle costs. The project program included all utilities, site work, landscaping, parking and outdoor leisure spaces for a complete and usable facility.