Delaware Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center
The Delaware Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center is a landmark 108,993 gsf, two-story facility that blends cutting-edge security, sustainability, and mission-critical functionality. Designed by SAIC and built for Vigil Contracting, this steel-frame structure—with hand-shaped natural stone veneer and insulated metal panels—serves as the administration and training hub for the Delaware Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, and Air National Guard.
As the State of Delaware’s primary command-and-control center, it’s outfitted with blast-resistant curtain walls, a full medical clinic, classrooms, fitness and locker-room amenities, and a rebar-reinforced arms vault. Advanced BIM coordination enabled off-site fabrication of plumbing and other systems, while green design strategies reduced on-site waste and optimized energy performance—all demonstrating Harkins Builders’ expertise in delivering complex, secure, and sustainable solutions.
Managing Complexity for State-of-the-art
- Location
- New Castle, DE
- Sector
- Military/Defense, Mission Critical/Advanced Technology
- Client
- Vigil Contracting
- Architect
- SAIC
- Scope
- 108,993 gsf Structural Steel
- Award
- USGBC LEED for NC – Gold (Registered)
- Award
- ABC Eastern PA Awards of Excellence – Excellence Award
108,993 GSF Advanced Facility
A two-story, steel-frame structure featuring hand-crafted natural stone veneer, blast-resistant curtain walls, insulated exterior panels, and a comprehensive suite of spaces: medical clinic, classrooms, fitness center, locker rooms, food-prep area, multipurpose room, heated storage, and recessed concrete foundations for the server and operations control rooms.
Three-Branch Mission Hub
Unites the Delaware Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, and Air National Guard under one roof—providing administration, training, and emergency command capabilities. The on-site arms vault boasts 10-inch-thick, rebar-reinforced concrete walls and roof, meeting the strictest security guidelines.
Expert Coordination & Innovation
Staffed with USACE/NAVFAC-trained experts and partnered with SDBE Vigil Contracting, Harkins maintained seamless collaboration via Skype and Bluebeam. Detailed BIM modeling allowed off-site assembly of key systems—saving time, labor, and cost—while upholding the highest standards of quality and workplace safety.
“I hold Harkins in high regard. Their focus on safety and quality control was exceptional. The field team and the executive team were easy to work with and were willing to answer any questions that I had throughout the entire project.
