A new skyline is evolving at Camp Rapid. The two-year, $43 million makeover will provide more space and make the camp a little more friendly to the environment.

Construction work on two facilities at 2823 W. Main St. is on schedule, according to Capt. Anthony Deiss, deputy public affairs officer for the South Dakota National Guard.

"We're really excited about the new buildings," he said.

Earlier this year, the National Guard held official groundbreaking ceremonies for its new $29 million Joint Forces Headquarters Readiness Center and for the $14 million barracks and education classroom building.

Since May, construction of the 132,000-square-foot headquarters has gone without interruption. When completed, it will consolidate services and support almost 4,500 soldiers and airmen of the South Dakota National Guard. The finished building will incorporate recycled materials, natural lighting, energy conservation and other environmentally friendly features, Deiss said.

Then, in July, construction began on the $14 million barracks and education classroom building on the east side of Camp Rapid.

"It's a three-building project. … This is the final piece," Deiss said.

The 60,000-square foot, three-story structure will consist of a large auditorium, classrooms, learning center, battalion and company supply, battalion headquarters along with private and semiprivate sleeping quarters.

"The complex will provide housing, education and operational space. It will upgrade living quarters and facilities for the camp's various training and personnel mobilization needs," he said.

The facility's mechanical system will consist of a ground source geothermal heat pump system that will use a well field. It will provide heating and cooling throughout the building, creating tremendous utility costs savings over the life of the building.

Camp Rapid will be able to house 600 soldiers at the completion of all construction efforts, which is expected in May 2011.

"It will be nice to have some facilities to house the personnel and to provide a staging point. It's a great thing for the community as well as our organization," Deiss said.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.