KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base, alongside housing officials and residents, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house June 23 to celebrate the final completion of the Pershing Park Housing Renovation Project. The milestone marked the culmination of an extensive $25,500,000 investment aimed at upgrading and modernizing junior enlisted housing to improve the quality of life for military families stationed at Kirtland.
Originally built in 1997, the Pershing Park neighborhood comprises a mix of single-family and duplex homes with two to four bedrooms, primarily serving as housing for junior enlisted ranks. Prior to this massive undertaking, the homes had never undergone comprehensive renovations.
“Completing the eight month long, $25 million Pershing Park renovation demonstrates Hunt Housing Communities commitment to supporting Team Kirtland and their families,” said Col. Kelly A. Padden, 377th Mission Support Group commander. “By investing in modern, high‑quality homes, Hunt has helped strengthen the quality of life, readiness, and our community. This project reflects the continued partnership we share with Hunt and Kirtland Family Housing to ensure every Airman has a safe, comfortable place to call home and a neighborhood where their families can thrive.”
The multi-year effort, which began in October 2024 and concluded in May 2026, successfully updated all 211 housing units in the neighborhood. The sweeping project required an immense collaborative effort, totaling 89,000 labor hours supported by a general contractor and numerous specialized local vendors.
To bring the housing in line with other modern neighborhoods on the installation, the scope of work included installing new flooring, updating kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and adding granite countertops. Contractors also installed modern plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient LED lighting, completed interior and exterior painting, and refreshed the neighborhood's xeriscaping to improve curb appeal while aligning with New Mexico’s unique environment.
“Military families give so much in service to this country, and the quality of their homes should reflect that commitment,” said Briann Stann, Hunt Military Communities President and CEO. “What’s happening at Pershing Park is part of a much larger, sustained effort to raise the standard across our entire portfolio — not just maintaining homes, but genuinely modernizing them. Our military families deserve that, and we’re proud to be delivering it through sustained investment.”
Following the morning ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to tour a newly renovated vacant home to see the upgrades firsthand.
Pershing Park’s namesake, General John J. Pershing, holds a deep historical connection to New Mexico. As a young officer, he served with the U.S. cavalry at Fort Bayard and commanded the Buffalo Soldier unit, earning the nickname “Black Jack” Pershing. He later led U.S. forces during the Pancho Villa Expedition in 1916. The neighborhood’s modern revitalization continues to honor his distinguished military career and historic ties to the region.
The completion of the Pershing Park project ensures the 211-unit neighborhood will continue to serve as a vibrant, comfortable, and energy-efficient community for Airmen and their families for years to come.