MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Torii Pines Town Center opened its doors to residents during the grand opening ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 12, 2016.
Torii Pines centralizes the temporary lodging facilities where residents can get their basic necessities within the community such as a laundromat and barbershop.
Residents gathered around as Bob Rudolph, acting chief of business operations, Marty Carter, chief of retail and services with Marine Corps Community Services and Col. Richard Fuerst, station commanding officer, conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying the grand opening of the new building.
“The Torii Pines Town Center will be the center of the community,” said Rudolph. “It will be in the middle of the schools, housing and will be a focal point for everyone to come to. It’s also very convenient for anyone when they first arrive in our community.”
Construction of the three-story, 95,000 square foot town center started March 14, 2014 and finished March 31, 2016, costing approximately $38.5 million.
Torii Pines includes a new temporary lodging facility, which features 78 rooms, 30 more than the old temporary lodging facilities. There are 56 extended stay, 18 standard and four Americans with Disabilities Act compliant rooms that support transitioning service members and their families.
New to the temporary lodging facility are eight designated pet friendly rooms, a conference room, fitness room and a continental breakfast served with your stay.
“The town center is great because there is more room to accommodate people as the base grows,” said Tanesha Wallen, station resident. “It has a lot of amenities for everyone, and I hope they will appreciate it.”
John Lackie, deputy director, integrated program management office with the Defense Policy Review Initiative, said Torii Pines is centralized and has mixed retail where anyone can come and buy their necessities.
Additionally, the center also houses various businesses such as MCXtreme Bikes and More, a 24-hour laundromat, a barbershop, Head to Toe Salon, Services Plus, Four Seasons Gift Shop, Starch & Stripes, Torii Pines Café, Military Auto Sales, Tanaka Optical, ACE Car Insurance, Inns of the Corps and the telephone office.
“Torii Pines Town Center is for the families,” said Fuerst. “I took a quick tour through the building and it’s beautiful. Our goal is that as families come to Iwakuni they are well housed in a place like this. If the families have pets, they are able to stay here. It’s a great facility. . . . Thank you to the staff that put their hard work into this building.”
For hours of operation, please visit http://mccsiwakuni.com/welcome-home-torii-pines/.