A once dusty, vacant hillside at Camp Williams, Utah, has been transformed into a cutting edge Army Reserve complex ready to serve thousands of Soldiers.
But the new facility represents more than concrete, steel and additional square footage. It brings new capabilities, improved access to training and a permanent home designed around the needs of today’s Army Reserve — while strengthening a military-community partnership with benefits extending well beyond the installation gates.
Named the 96th Infantry Division “Deadeye” Memorial U.S. Army Reserve Center, the 227,000-square-foot, $127 million facility replaces Army Reserve facilities spread across 50 acres at Fort Douglas that served approximately 2,000 Army Reserve Soldiers and 500 full-time staff.Construction began in 2024.
The relocation frees 49.7 acres at Fort Douglas for transfer to the University of Utah, which intends to use the property to better connect its main campus, health care facilities and research park while providing room for future academic, research and health care growth.
The influx of personnel to Camp Williams will prompt infrastructure improvements designed to enhance safety, force protection, and efficiency. A new main gate is being designed south of the existing main gate, with completion targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.
The 31.9-acre site gives Army Reserve Soldiers greater access to existing ranges, barracks and training areas at Camp Williams than was available at the constrained Fort Douglas property in Salt Lake City. Major organizations relocating to the facility include the 76th Operational Response Command and 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), along with other Army Reserve personnel and organizations. Their presence will expand opportunities for joint training and exercises while strengthening professional relationships between Army Reserve and National Guard personnel.
Key features of the new facility include an 18,281-square-foot maintenance shop described as a world-class facility rivaling the best in private industry; a 230-seat auditorium; a state-of-the-art audiovisual system; modern, flexible workspaces; extensive natural lighting; and a 13,208-square-foot unheated storage facility.
“The 88th Readiness Division and the Utah Army National Guard have turned a hillside at Camp Williams into a world class training and maintenance facility that will be key to building Army Reserve readiness necessary to support the total Army and the joint force when they call for our soldiers to mobilize and deploy either here at home or abroad,” said Stephen Sullivan, assistant chief of the Army Reserve. “This is truly the Army Reserve's crown jewel.”
The facility also pays homage to Fort Douglas, the Civil War-era fort and National Historic Landmark that previously housed most of the Soldiers transferring to Camp Williams. Black-and-white artwork depicting Fort Douglas’ 162-year history lines the hallways of the new facility, while a memorial plaque in the main atrium incorporates materials melted down from a similar plaque at Fort Douglas. On the exterior, red brick was chosen as a deliberate reference to the historic fort.
“The soldiers and civilians in our workforce live in your communities. Attend your schools. Play in your sports leagues. They are your friends, family and neighbors,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, commanding general of the 88th Readiness Division, during the Aug. 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility is a symbol of what we can accomplish together. It is a reminder that when we invest in our people, when we build strong partnerships and honor both heritage and innovation, we create something that will serve generations of soldiers.”
The Reserve Center now anchors an area leaders are calling Camp Williams’ “Lower Garrison,” which also includes the Aaron Butler Readiness Center and a staging area for the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Together, the facilities have turned what was once a dusty, vacant hillside into a growing hub for training, readiness and military partnerships.