Balfour Beatty Communities Breaks Ground on 69 New Military Homes at Fort Leonard Wood
Military families, U.S. Army leadership, and representatives from elected officials’ offices recently gathered to mark the groundbreaking of 69 new homes in the Woodlands neighborhood at Fort Leonard Wood. This event signals the launch of a significant initiative aimed at modernizing military housing and enhancing the overall quality of life for service members and their families.
The project is backed by a $50 million investment dedicated to replacing aging housing units and improving neighborhood infrastructure. Phase 1 of the initiative will deliver 56 brand-new homes thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s military families. These homes will feature modern layouts, durable construction materials, and energy-efficient systems, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and long-term livability. In addition, three of the homes will be fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for residents with disabilities and reinforcing Fort Leonard Wood’s dedication to inclusivity.
Strategically located near schools, playgrounds, and community amenities, the new homes are designed to create a vibrant, family-friendly environment. The planning emphasizes connectivity and convenience, allowing residents to enjoy both comfort and practicality in their daily lives. By blending modern design with functional community spaces, the Woodlands neighborhood aims to provide military families with a sense of home that supports both personal and professional well-being.
Col. Alexander Lovasz, deputy commanding officer of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, highlighted the critical role of housing in military readiness. “Fort Leonard Wood is built on the foundation of readiness, and readiness begins at home,” he said. “This new family housing development is a direct investment in the people who make this installation mission-ready every day. By providing modern, functional homes, we are helping our service members and their families thrive, which ultimately strengthens the installation’s overall operational capability.”
Shawna Swanson, Vice President of Army Community Management at Balfour Beatty Communities, expressed pride in the company’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army. “This groundbreaking celebrates our continued dedication to delivering quality, future-ready housing for our service members and their families,” Swanson said. “We are proud to collaborate with the Army to ensure military families have access to modern homes that reflect their service and sacrifice. Every home we build is designed to enhance the daily lives of residents and support the communities they call home.”
Balfour Beatty Communities has a long-standing history of partnership with Fort Leonard Wood. Since acquiring interests in the project in 2008, the company has developed 632 new homes and renovated 1,150 existing homes across seven neighborhoods on the installation. This sustained collaboration underscores the strength of the partnership and reflects a shared commitment to continuous improvement in military housing. The cumulative impact of these efforts has been transformative, providing modernized, safe, and accessible living spaces for generations of military families.
The Woodlands neighborhood project is part of a broader, long-term strategy by Balfour Beatty Communities to renew and rebuild aging housing across its Army housing portfolio. This initiative is designed to ensure installations like Fort Leonard Wood remain premier destinations for military families while keeping pace with evolving housing standards and expectations. By investing in both infrastructure and design, the company seeks to create communities where families feel supported, connected, and empowered.
Modern military housing projects like this one are more than just buildings; they are central to fostering morale, stability, and well-being among service members. By providing functional and attractive living spaces, the Army and Balfour Beatty Communities are investing in a foundation that allows military personnel to focus on their missions with confidence that their families are well cared for.
The new homes in the Woodlands neighborhood will feature thoughtful layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and durable construction materials to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance. Additionally, the incorporation of ADA-compliant units demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, ensuring all military families can enjoy safe and comfortable living environments. These design considerations highlight a holistic approach to modern military housing—one that balances aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity.
As construction progresses, the project is expected to enhance the overall neighborhood infrastructure, including improved roads, landscaping, and community spaces, creating a cohesive environment that encourages social engagement and fosters community pride. By integrating modern housing with a supportive neighborhood structure, Fort Leonard Wood aims to provide a living experience that aligns with the Army’s standards of excellence and the expectations of its families.
Looking ahead, the Fort Leonard Wood Woodlands initiative represents a model for future housing projects across the military. By focusing on modernization, sustainability, and accessibility, it sets a benchmark for how installations nationwide can provide high-quality living environments for service members and their loved ones. The project is a tangible example of how public-private partnerships, such as the one between the U.S. Army and Balfour Beatty Communities, can deliver meaningful results for military families, both now and in the years to come.
In summary, the groundbreaking of 69 new homes at Fort Leonard Wood marks an important step toward modernizing military housing and improving quality of life for service members and their families. With a $50 million investment, thoughtful design, and a strong focus on community development, Balfour Beatty Communities and the U.S. Army are creating a sustainable, family-friendly neighborhood that will serve as a foundation for readiness, stability, and long-term well-being. The Woodlands project stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of both organizations to support military families with homes that honor their service and sacrifice.
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