Navy brass greeted Rhode Island's congressional delegation and other dignitaries inside the base's fitness center to celebrate the beginning of a project to replace the World War era, quonset-style building with a new $19.2 million complex.
The 58,000 s/f facility will have a pool, track and other athletic facilities. The project also includes outdoor improvements, including tennis courts, a softball field and lighting. Consigili Construction won the contract for the project, which will also include demolition of three unused buildings around the site on Coasters Island.
The "green" building will be among the few in Rhode Island to attain national LEED (Leadership in Energy Environmental Designs) silver level honors.