MCON Five Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQs) J-032 E, J-036 C, J-038 J, J-039 K, and J-037 G

This impressive $546 million design-build initiative involved the construction of five distinct, free-standing Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) complexes: J-032 BEQ E, J-036 BEQ C, J-038 BEQ J, J-039 BEQ K, and J-037 BEQ G. Each complex consists of a six-story BEQ tower, covering approximately 146,000 square feet, and accommodates up to 600 personnel with 300 Marine Corps 2+0 rooms per building. These quarters are for enlisted Marines and engineered to provide both comfort and resilience in the face of Guam’s stringent seismic and typhoon-resistant design requirements. Coffman provided civil and fire protection engineering services for this large-scale project.

In addition to the BEQ towers, each complex features a range of supporting facilities, including unattached pavilions, a separate utility building, and a standalone equipment washdown and drying area structure. A central Community Core Building acts as the primary entrance and gathering space for each BEQ, connected by a covered walkway to the main residential tower. This thoughtful layout supports both operational functionality and a sense of community for the residents.

The scope of civil engineering included preparation of civil design packages (drawings, specs, and basis of design), design, layout, and grading of site improvements, design of underground utilities including storm drain system, sewer system, potable and fire water laterals. Also included is the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) document preparation and construction administration.

Serving as fire protection and life safety Designer-of-Record, Coffman designed a code compliant fire protection site plan, life safety drawings, fire sprinkler performance-based drawings, and fire alarm drawings.

By providing modern, durable housing, this project significantly enhances the quality of life for enlisted Marine personnel stationed at Marine Corps Base Guam. It also supports the broader mission readiness of the base by increasing capacity and resilience. All five buildings progressed simultaneously despite numerous challenges posed by limited formwork, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions. This large-scale effort marks a substantial investment in both the infrastructure and the well-being of Marine Corps service members.