Housing construction slated to begin 2014 Published Jan. 24, 2014 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The construction of 214 homes will begin in the former Black Hills Estates area on base this spring. "We are projecting that occupancy of the newly-built homes will start April 2015," said Jim English, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron housing program manager. "Balfour Beatty Community quality compliance inspectors, the Ellsworth resident construction manager and independent third-party inspectors will oversee the construction of the new homes." BBC took over the government's role of the ownership, management, maintenance and construction of the houses in Prairie View Estates, Rushmore Heights and the future Black Hills Estates Aug. 1, 2013. "BBC already manages all aspects of base housing," English explained. "However, the government housing office is still in place to address any concerns from base leadership and is co-located with BBC personnel." English said the base is working with BBC staff to schedule a town hall in the next few months to address any questions and concerns current and prospective tenants may have regarding applying for housing and the projected construction schedule of new homes. For more information, call the BBC management team at (605) 923-9000 or the base Housing Office at (605) 385-2570.