Timbers Dedicated in Honor of 10th Mountain Division Soldiers on SkisAspen, Vail, Whiteface and Pico Peak honor 10th Mountain Division Soldiers’ History
Fort Drum, NY - July 21, 2009 - Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, a partnership between the Department of the Army and Actus Lend Lease, is proud to dedicate The Timbers to the Soldiers on Skis of WWII who reached the top in war and peace. With the building names Aspen, Vail, Whiteface and Pico Peak, the community honors the rich history of 10th Mountain Division Soldiers who went on to found the major ski resorts in this nation. They were leaders in the world of skiing and outdoor life.
“This community is where history and modern life meet. Reminiscent of the lodges of the finest ski country founded by the brave Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division, The Timbers exemplifies the pursuit of excellence for the brave men and women of the Army; honoring their proud history and the strides they now make for our great nation,” says Dale Connor, managing director for Actus Lend Lease. “We are honored and proud to officially dedicate these buildings which offer high quality living for single Soldiers.”
Over the last four years, the growth and change experienced at Fort Drum is unprecedented. Actus / Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes and The Timbers are proud to be a part of this. The Timbers is one of five pilot developments for single and unaccompanied Soldiers E6 and above Army-wide and the first to financially close and break ground in July 2007. Until now, living options were limited to this group of men and women who do not qualify for Family housing or barracks accommodations. Now, these individuals have the opportunity to reside on post, close by to their place of duty and Fort Drum amenities and enjoy the convenience of a new, modern, professionally managed development. The Timbers also offers something unique, a sense of camaraderie unlike any other community, as it caters exclusively to unaccompanied Fort Drum Soldiers.
The Timbers consists of 192 one and two-bedroom apartments. The total development costs for The Timbers are roughly $28 million. It is expected that The Timbers project will contribute to the local economy more than $360 million throughout its 50-year partnership. Additional amenities for Timbers residents are in development, including a clubhouse, car wash station and trails.
Built to Energy Star® standards, the modern apartment homes feature Energy Star appliances, a full-sized,
front-loading washer and dryer, on demand hot water, ceiling fans, ample storage, natural gas heat and air conditioning. Although the two-bedroom apartments are designed for roommate living, Soldiers may opt to rent a one or
two-bedroom home by themselves. Private garages are available to rent as well. Renters insurance is included. Landscaping, snow removal, package delivery / acceptance service and 24-hour emergency maintenance are provided at no additional charge, making life at The Timbers uncomplicated.
The Timbers honors the rich heritage of the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers. The building names Aspen, Vail, Whiteface and Pico Peak may bring to mind the joy and exhilaration of recreational skiing, however their tie to the military and, most pointedly, the 10th Mountain Division should not be overlooked. During WWII, Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division fought along the Apennine Mountains of Italy. Later known as the “Soldiers on Skis,” many names you find on Fort Drum such as Riva Ridge, Mount Belvedere and Po Valley are directly linked to battles of WWII. Once stateside however, veterans of the 10th Mountain Division were in a large part responsible for the development of skiing into a big name sport and popular vacation industry. Ex-soldiers from the 10th laid out ski hills, built ski lodges, designed ski lifts and improved ski equipment. They started ski magazines and opened ski schools. Aspen, Vail, Whiteface and Pico Peak were but a few of the ski resorts founded by 10th Mountain veterans.
Also speaking at the dedication ceremony were Major General Michael L. Oates, Commanding General of 10th Mountain Division (LI) Mr. Ivan G. Bolden, Chief of Public Private Initiatives, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, and the New York Chapter of the 10th Mountain Division Association President, Mr. Bill Morrison.
Permanent signs on each building of The Timbers and a bronze plaque commemorate the community dedication to the Soldiers on Skis.
Press Release | | News Archives |
