New medical building planned for Tinker Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Tinker community is planning the start of a new construction project on the south side of the installation. A new medical facility is slated for the bare area across from Gott Gate, between Codding Road and the Hill Conference Center. Construction for the clinic is scheduled to begin by spring 2009 and has a tentative finish date in August 2011. The clinic will primarily be operated by the 72nd Medical Group and 507th Medical Squadron. "It will be a nicer, cleaner, brighter facility," said Col. Robert Marks, 72nd MDG commander. "It will be a space designed for outpatient [services]." Colonel Marks said the most challenging aspect of the current medical facility is its age. He said it was built about 50 years ago and is no longer used as its original intent, a hospital. Because of that, several modifications have been made, but now it's just time for a new clinic. Designed by architectural firm Sherlock, Smith and Adams, of Alabama, the clinic is part of the Department of Defense's Military Construction Program. Meaning, Congress approved the project and provided the funds to pay for the $65 million clinic. The 170,000-square-foot facility will have 18,800-square-feet for dental use and approximately 4,300-square feet for the 507th MDS needs. Lt. Col. Sandra Steblin, 507th MDS commander, said being a part of the planning and design stage has helped the unit, and will ultimately benefit patients and customers. "By planning for space for our offices, storage and clinic operations, we can maximize functionality and significantly improve our clinic operations and patient care both on our drill weekends and throughout the month," she said. "The attitude behind this project has been 'total force.' The 72nd MDG has considered us partners in this and with that kind of cooperation, everyone wins." Due to the topography of the site, the building will be constructed on a slope. Though officials said they originally thought the slope would be a disadvantage, it has proved to be an advantage. By building into the slope, builders could add a third floor instead of building out to meet the necessary square footage. Colonel Marks said amenities in the building will include energy efficiencies, better utilization of space and new technology, specifically a more effective phone system. The new facility's design is not only approved by Tinker's medical members, but has won the 72nd Civil Engineering Directorate Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force-level awards. At the AFMC level, the 72nd CED won first place in the Air Force Design Awards program, the Honor Award; and at the Air Force level, won third place, the Citation Award. The next step in the process is soliciting bids for a contractor to build the clinic. Renée Lane, 72nd CED architect, said a contract award is anticipated by March and construction should follow shortly thereafter. The current facility will be demolished after the new building is operational.