Photo by Sky-Pix The Army created a mock town for urban combat training as the first phase of the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility in Fort Lewis.

The Army’s Combined Arms Collection Training Facility was the largest project in Pease Construction’s history, and reportedly the largest training facility of its kind in the nation.

The project was to create “Leschi Town,” a small village with 52 structures. The town is used to stage battles to improve the Army’s urban fighting capabilities.

After only two buildings were completed, the project was over budget. Management reacted by flying in the Lean Construction Institute’s cofounder to train the supervisory team on lean project delivery principles. With a new emphasis on reliable and speedy delivery of value, Pease was able to bring the project back into budget.

As the earthwork took place, there were over 33 unexploded ordinances found in the first three and a half months. To solve the problem, an ordinance specialist was brought in to recover bazooka rounds, land mines and grenades. Construction personnel also had to work in areas where artillery fire passed directly overhead. Pease also installed substantial soil erosion controls because of wetlands located adjacent to the site.

Pease was given two coins by the Army, which are presented to nonmilitary personnel as honorary awards for services or accomplishments that significantly assist or support Army functions, services or operations.