The Edson Range and Chappo Dining Facilities set a new standard for design, sustainability and construction quality for the entire Camp Pendleton Base. The 56,000 SF, 530-seat Edson Range Dining Facility serves 600 meals per hour to Marine recruits and officers. The facility has a 5,000 SF kitchen and an open-plan layout to allow for efficient flow of the diners throughout the day. The serving lines include printed panels with historic Marine photographs and military doctrines. The project also included 90 photovoltaic panels on the carport roofs in the parking lot.

The 31,000 SF, 500-seat Chappo Dining Facility serves 2,300 meals per day to permanent party personnel and Marine officers. The facility includes a large outdoor patio area with six grills and 100 seats. Chappo also offers the first drive-thru window for a west coast Marine Corps mess hall that has alternatives to fast food options. At each facility, an on-site photovoltaic panel grid was installed that generates 17% of each location’s energy requirements per year.

This project achieved LEED® Gold certification. A building automation system was installed to track energy usage by the mechanical systems and utility distribution. In addition, a separate controls system was installed to monitor interior and exterior lighting. Additional sustainable features include photovoltaic panels, drought-tolerant vegetation and maximization of natural lighting.