Naval Base Point Loma Receives the Secretary of the Navy 2021 Environmental Award for Cultural Resources Management (CRM) for Small Installation

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.21.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jailene Casso 

Naval Base Point Loma

U.S. Navy Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jailene Witters
SAN DIEGO – The Honorable Thomas W. Harker, Secretary of the Navy (Acting), visited Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) on April 21, 2021 to present the Secretary of the Navy 2021 Environmental Award for Cultural Resources Management (CRM) for Small Installation to NBPL for the restoration of Building 158.
While all of NBPL’s historic buildings and structures are in active use, a Programmatic Agreement (PA) makes it possible to continue military readiness for various components through adaptive reuse of historic properties. This PA between NBPL, the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation delegates enormous authority to the installation in its efforts to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). NBPL’s highly qualified CRM staff evaluate and assist execution of adaptive reuse projects under the delegated authority of the PA. The projects give new purpose to World War I and World War II era structures that otherwise would degrade through lack of use.
NBPL’s building 158 is now occupied by the Security Department.
“The new facility provided additional functional space and a better operational environment for Naval Base Point Loma’s Security Force Personnel,” said LCDR John Caicedo, Installation Security Officer. “The building is accurately sized and equipped to handle all the different types of functions NBPL Security Department performs with state of the art video/visual equipment, interview room, and evidence storage capabilities.”
NBPL CRM personnel worked with installation Environmental, Facilities, and Security to complete a long delayed hallmark project: the rehabilitation of building 158, an eligible contributor to the Fort Rosecrans Coastal Defense Historic District. Although building 158 is not individually eligible, it remains one of the premier historic structures on NBPL.
“The newly renovated historic building is a reason for all NBPL Sailors to be proud of and remind us the historic meaning of Naval Base Point Loma and the Sailors and Soldiers that have served at this historic installation throughout the years,” said Caicedo. “Additionally, this project improved of quality of life for all personnel in the Security Department.”
After many attempts to find funding and a willing occupant, NBPL succeeded in 2018 after receiving $6.4 million as part of the Navy’s program to consolidate facilities. NBPL Facilities Planners developed a design contract scope of work with input from the CRM staff. The delegated authority of the PA allowed the team to secure a design that was compliant with the original 1990s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurrence for no adverse effect to historic properties. The updated design was consistent with historic preservation guidelines without sacrificing modern requirements or occupant needs.
“This was a long, hard project that was successful because a lot of smart hard working people pulled together, didn’t give up, and made it happen,” said Robert Chichester, NBPL Installation Environmental Program Director.
Contractors, historic architects, design managers, and construction managers all worked closely with CRM subject matter experts to ensure the building’s historic character and features were retained, while providing a modern and seismically sound workspace for the new occupant, NBPL Security Department.
“It was a true honor to meet with SECNAV Harker and have him recognize the entire team at Naval Base Point Loma with such a prestigious award. This award is a reflection of many years of effort and dedication to preserving historic properties while maintaining our unwavering commitment to being good stewards of the environment,” said CAPT Ken Franklin, NBPL Installation Commanding Officer.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2021
• Date Posted: 04.26.2021 16:37
• Story ID: 394802
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US