Builder of homes on Fort Bragg renovating, fixing problems with housing stock

The Garrison Commander says he’s seen signs in recent weeks that the military builder is getting its act together. And folks who live in on-post communities say that can’t come soon enough.

Bragg officials defend housing contractor after critical report

A Corvias representative and Fort Bragg's garrison commander showed off on Monday one of about 280 homes that Corvias is investing $100 million of its own money to make things right.

"We are putting the money back into this investment," said Heather Fuller, a spokeswoman for Corvias, "because we know the commitment to the soldiers, and we're trying to do better. That's why we're putting the money back into the homes."

She admitted that the company has had missteps.

"I would admit that we all make mistakes, and we're learning from those," Fuller said.

During a recent town hall meeting with U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, family members and soldiers complained of a slow response for much needed repairs. Fort Bragg says it has no choice but to honor the contract with Corvias for the next 50 years.

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"They're our partners in this," Col. Phillip Sounia said. "We signed a 50-year lease with Corvias, and the partnership needs to remain solvent because that's important for Army families as well. If the partnership would go under, it would be very difficult for the Army to maintain all these homes."

A so-called "beat house" is being used to fine-tune the building skills of contractors working on homes that were built in the 1960s. Corvias says there's lots to be done to bring a building like that up to code.

"We've taken it down to the studs so that we can provide quality housing for our individual soldiers and their families," Fuller said. "I think this is going to be a lovely home when it's complete."