KMCC construction on track Published March 16, 2006 By Capt. Jonathan Friedman USAFE News Service RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) -- The final 15-ton dome was put into place recently at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center here, bringing the project one step closer to completion.The dome was lowered into place using a crane and will provide light between the new Army Air Force Exchange Service Mall Food court and the movie theaters."Choreographing the movements of nearly 20 contractors working on the KMCC project can be challenging, particularly when they speak several different languages," said Jeff Noorda, KMCC Project Manager with the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron. "But, when all is said and done, we're able to bring it together and create a structure that is truly unlike anything in the Department of Defense."The new 350-room lodging area will be the first portion of the center to open, and is scheduled see its first guest in late June 2006. A full-service sports bar and shoppette should also open near this time frame to support those guests traveling through the base."The hotel portion of the KMCC is normally the first thing people see when they're coming through the West Gate," said Mr. Noorda. "But, it was really important that the building be not just esthetically pleasing, but also comforting, state-of-the-art, and anticipate the needs of those who will be traveling great distances and using it."Scheduled to open late January 2007, the remainder of the KMCC will stretch more than 840,000 square feet across Ramstein and hold nearly 40 shops including a Macaroni Grill restaurant, Base Exchange, outdoor recreation, local German and community vendors, movie theaters, Power Zone, and parking for nearly 2,800 vehicles.Brig. Gen. Danny Gardner, USAFE Mission Support director, explained that the KMCC's shopping and entertainment are designed to bring a little piece of the United States to Germany."The Air Force continues to make huge strides in improving the quality of life for its members stationed overseas," said General Gardner. "Part of the benefit of living here is that we can explore new places and try regional foods and services. The KMCC is not being built to replace that. Instead, we're bringing some of the comforts of home to those serving far away from it."