The Former Fort Gillem: A Unique Case History in Closed Army Base Redevelopment

From 1984 to 1986, Dr. Koerner was graduate advisor of my master’s program, which focused on geoenvironmental and geosynthetic studies at Drexel University. This program of study was very unique and groundbreaking for its time. In honor of Dr. Koerner, the following case history addresses the topic of the former Fort Gillem (Gillem) Base redevelopment, which has required particular use of all the technical skills that I acquired while studying under his advisement. For the past seven years I have been involved with this project which, from a geoenvironmental perspective, has been the most technically challenging project of my 30-year career. I have served as the technical director for all environmental and geotechnical matters related to the Gillem Base transfer from the U.S. Army (Army) to the Urban Redevelopment Authority of the City of Forest Park (URA) through the process of redevelopment. Key technical challenges have included the following: (i) geotechnical issues related to difficult soil conditions; (ii) the evaluation of environmental concerns resulting from 60 years of Army use; (iii) regulatory negotiations; and (iv) an evaluation of two existing dams for future use or demolition. This case history presents key technical, regulatory, and business challenges faced by the major stakeholders who were critical to the success of the process: the owner, Army, legal counsel, master developer, environmental consultant, and end user.