MN NATIONAL GUARD FIELD MAINTENANCE

The New Ulm Field Maintenance facility is the first project that Oertel Architects has had with the Minnesota Army National Guard. The project started the design process in the fall of 2018 and began construction in the spring of 2021. Oertel began the project by hosting the mandatory three-day design charrette. This process was overwhelmingly well-received by the unit commander.

Through the use of advanced online exchange platforms, Oertel Architects streamlined communication and collaboration between multiple consultant offices across different locations, ensuring that everyone involved in the project remained on the same page throughout the design and construction phases. This was essential for managing the many moving parts of the project efficiently.

In addition to coordinating the internal team, Oertel Architects also worked closely with the City of New Ulm and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address key infrastructure and regulatory considerations. One of the major challenges involved the design and construction of a new roundabout, which was required to improve access to the site. This roundabout was essential to support the increased traffic flow expected with the new facility and ensure smooth operations for both the National Guard and the surrounding community. Furthermore, due to the facility’s proximity to the New Ulm Municipal Airport, Oertel Architects had to ensure that the design adhered to all FAA guidelines and regulations, maintaining compliance with airspace safety standards.

Through a combination of thorough planning, effective coordination, and strong communication with local and federal agencies, Oertel Architects successfully managed the complex logistical and regulatory demands of the project. This facility sets a new standard for Oertel’s work with military clients and demonstrates the firm’s ability to navigate large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects while delivering high-quality, functional design solutions.