Bldg 527 dormitory reopens after renovation Published April 2, 2012 By Dan Hawkins 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- One of Sheppard's dormitories, building 527, was officially re-opened on April 2nd after a major overhaul of the facility. To officially welcome the new occupants, Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander, handed over the dorm's first key to Airman 1st Class Isaac Fugon, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, during a morning dedication ceremony. The renovation, which cost almost $800,000 and took 10 months to complete, upgraded 96 rooms. The building is scheduled to house permanent party personnel. Improving and sustaining infrastructure has been of one of the top three priorities for Burke since coming to Sheppard. According to Mark McBurnett, 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron director, eliminating costly energy bills has required a major reconsolidation effort. "One of the main goals we have is to reduce our 'energy hog' footprint," McBurnett said. "Demolition and consolidation of our dorms is one of our biggest projects." Environmentally, the renovation of the dorm came with a major upgrade as the old two-pipe air conditioning system was replaced with a centrally ventilated four-pipe system, which will help solve a major health issue. "The (new) air-conditioning system alleviates negative air pressure," McBurnett said. "The positive pressure pushes air outside when the door is opened, keeping the high humidity out, which reduces mold growth." In addition to the air conditioning and other mechanical upgrades, the dorm was repainted, received new carpeting and the old lock system was replaced with a key entry system. Fugon, who recently returned to Sheppard after completing a six-month deployment to Djibouti in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, was impressed with the makeover. "I like it," Fugon said. "It will be nice to come home to a brand new room every day."