Peterson's dining facility to get $1.8 million makeover

  • Published
  • By Monica Mendoza
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  When the Aragon dining facility reopens later in 2010, it will have a fresh, upscale look rivaling any fine dining restaurant and upscale sports bar in town.

One side of the dining hall will feature a fine dining area with contemporary French doors and a glass partition, to make use of natural light and offer space for private lunch meetings. The other side will have a Colorado sports bar feel, with several TVs and high bistro-style chairs and upscale booths. The finishes will include stone and glass accents, new pendent lights over the booths and carpet with a fun vibrant pattern.

"It was through Airmen that we got the ideas and we took off with it," said Capt. Jesse Johnson, 21st Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander.

The aged dining facility is undergoing a $1.8 million renovation project in two phases during the next six months.

During the renovation, enlisted Reservists assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing should make use of the Peterson Club for official meals. If a Reservist is serving during a scheduled Unit Training Assembly or Tactical Training Weekend, they must sign the Air Force Form 79 located at the beginning of the buffet line to get the free meal. Reservists on a rescheduled UTA must leave a copy of their Form 40A at the Peterson Club. Without a 40A, the member will not be granted access to a funded meal.

Also, Reservists on Active Duty orders will have to pay for their meal based upon their Basic Allowance for Subsistence already issued to them. Airmen on Active Duty orders can take advantage of breakfast meals Monday through Friday at Peterson's bowling alley. The meal cannot cost more than $10 and will require a copy of the Reservist's Form 40A. Furthermore, members ordering dinner during weekday duty must order their meal from the Club's sports bar "Stripes Pub" menu. During weekend UTA or TAC duty, Reservists interested in taking advantage of the dinner meal must order it from the Club.

For information on days and times of operation for base eating locations, visit www.21fss.com.

The renovation work includes a new front entrance and a handicap accessible entrance. The Airman's dining facility, which first opened in 1970, is long overdue for a new heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit, plumbing system and restrooms, Captain Johnson said.

"The HVAC is basically on its last leg," Captain Johnson said. "The restroom redesign will go along with the new atmosphere, plus, they will be (American with Disabilities Act) compliant. Those two things definitely need to happen."

More than 10,000 meals are served in the Aragon dining facility each month, most of those to Airmen who live on base in the dormitories and use a meal card. But, for the next four months the dining hall will be closed while the first phase of the project is completed.

The four-month wait will be worth it, Captain Johnson said. Airmen will notice a newly-revamped serving line, designed so there is no cross flow and to move folks through the line faster.

"This is really good for Airmen quality of life," Captain Johnson said. "It's not only improving the structure but the atmosphere too."

Cheryl Scharff, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron interior designer, joked that some Airmen may not want to leave the dining facility once it's open. The 1980s décor needed to go, she said. The new fine dining area will feature scenic photos from around Colorado while the other side features a fun sports motif, she said.

"This will complete the Colorado theme," said Ms. Scharff. "What Airmen will like most about the facility when it's done is the upscale look, it will be more updated and in current style."

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