Ribbon-cutting celebrates first phase of new Navy homes

Navy Capt. David Halloran called it a proud moment during his tenure as commander of Naval Air Station Fallon.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday (Aug. 15) celebrated phase one a new family housing community of 60 homes and a 5,500-square foot community clubhouse west of the base’s main gate.

Halloran, who assumed command in March 2016, said the project took off a month later with the demolition of older houses that had been built decades ago. With the completion of the new houses and more on the way, Halloran said sailors and their families will be able to live on base rather than in the city of Fallon or in Fernley, more than 30 miles away.

“This has been a very big project with a lot of people,” he said.

Executives from Clark Realty Capital and CBG Building Company attended the ribbon-cutting along with officials from the Navy and Lincoln Military Housing.

“Clark has done a fantastic job,” Halloran said. “These are beautiful, modern homes. Clark has provided a much needed improvement to our housing, and it will have a direct positive impact on the quality of life for our sailors and their families.”

Fran Coen, managing director of Clark Realty Capital, thanked visitors who traveled great distances to attend the ceremony. In addition to the houses and club house, Coen said construction continues.

“We have 79 houses under construction right now that will be finished in the next couple of years,” he said, “as well as 80 major renovations in the neighborhood next door called Mountain View.”

Coen also thanked “all the hard working individuals who are responsible for the high-quality facilities” that are being built at NAS Fallon. The $100-million project includes the construction of 139 new homes and renovation of 80 existing houses. According to Clark Realty Capital, the project will be done in phases to minimize disruption, maintain pedestrian access to sidewalks and avoid displacement of military families.

Military housing has been an issue at the base for years. Halloran said the new houses should be a plus for families. When he arrived in Fallon almost 18 months ago, Halloran said he worked with the Navy to add 17 more houses. Each duplex house plan includes one home consisting of three bedrooms and 1,700 square feet, and the other, a four-bedroom home, is 2,100 square feet. Each house has xeriscaping to cut down on maintenance and water.

“The houses are well above standards and well designed,” he added.

In addition to the houses, Halloran said he likes the addition of a small and large dog park and an area for children.

“Sailors didn’t know if they wanted to come here because they didn’t know what Fallon had to offer,” Halloran said. “Now, housing is not a negative.”

Coen said the project was designed with the sailors and their families in mind.

“We are pleased to be able to deliver this first phase of the project, which includes a bike park, playgrounds, sports courts, and a water park,” he said.