PRINCE GEORGE -- Army and private officials tomorrow will celebrate the opening of the first of 651 new homes for military families being built on Fort Lee.

The first home, in the post's Jefferson Terrace housing area, is valued at $177,000 and will be able to accommodate a family of five to eight members.

The $206 million family-housing project will be constructed under a public-private partnership between the Army and three private firms.

In the next five years, Fort Lee's population of soldiers and civilians is expected to grow nearly 50 percent, to more than 43,000.

During that time, the 50-year partnership between the Army and the companies that make up East Army Properties will build and renovate 1,590 homes on the post.

The energy-efficient homes boast modern open kitchens, hardwood floors, premium appliances and additional bulk storage space, the Army said.

East Army Properties consists of Hunt Building Co. of El Paso, Texas; Pinnacle, An American Management Services Co. of Seattle; and Falcon Properties of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

The post also will open its first new neighborhood center -- a combined customer-service office and community center -- during the ceremony.
Contact Peter Bacqué at (804) 649-6813 or pbacque@timesdispatch.com.