Apartments built for military lifestyle open in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas - A new apartment complex in northeast El Paso is creating a buzz among Fort Bliss soldiers and civilians alike.

"It's a pretty good community," said one soldier.

The Independence Place Apartments opened in March and is the first of its kind in El Paso. Managers call it a luxurious barracks style apartment complex.

"They have all the amenities as a resort style living," said leasing manager Frank Pena.

He said about half the apartments have so far been leased by soldiers.

With more than 37,000 troops headed to Fort Bliss in the next five years, officials said anything that caters to the military is well received.

"I think the community is supporting us. I think some of the things they're doing are very innovative," said Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offut.

The units are primarily modeled for soldiers. For example, when soldiers comes home from the field, they don't have to use their kitchen sink to wash off. Most of the apartments have a mud room with a large sink. Next to that, there's a locker for soldiers to store their gear.

Army Private Aron Wilson said it comes in handy, "You have a lot of gear and you try to separate as much as you possibly can from your personal effects."

Just like some of the newer barracks on post, the apartments are fully furnished, but here, you can choose your own roomates. "Even though you do share an apartment you have your own space," says Pena.

Plans for two more military style apartment complexes are alreadly in the works.

http://www.kvia.com/global/story.asp?s=8562667&ClientType=Printable
Remember in the movie “Private Benjamin” asked, “Where are the condos?”

On a serious note, the living conditions of today’s military has been greatly improved in may locations, both on and off post, and there will be a lot more to come.