MN NATIONAL GUARD FIELD MAINTENANCE

The Minnesota Army National Guard Field Maintenance Shop (VMS) in New Ulm marks the first collaboration between Oertel Architects and the Minnesota Army National Guard. Design for the 34,000-square-foot facility began in the fall of 2018, and construction broke ground in the spring of 2021, with completion in 2022. The project is tracking to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Oertel Architects led the initial phases with a mandatory three-day design charrette, which brought together key stakeholders to collaborate on design goals and priorities. This intensive design session was highly praised by the unit commander, ensuring the project aligned closely with the Guard’s needs and operational requirements.

The complexity of the project extended beyond the facility itself, requiring Oertel Architects to manage a large, multi-disciplinary consultant team. By employing online exchange methodologies, Oertel streamlined communication between various consultant offices, ensuring efficient collaboration throughout the design and construction phases.

Additionally, Oertel coordinated with the City of New Ulm on the design and construction of a roundabout, essential for improving traffic flow and site accessibility. Given the site's proximity to the New Ulm Municipal Airport, coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was also necessary to address regulations and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.