PHOTOS: National Guard Readiness Center nears opening

The National Guard Readiness Center, 4540 Melrose Ave., in Iowa City, is just a few days away from its grand opening.

Maj. Tim Carey, the operations and training officer, gave a sneak peek today of the 127,000-square-feet building that sits on 25 acres. Equipped with much more space than the old armory, at 925 S. Dubuque St., that was just 19,000 square feet, the new readiness center offers many upgrades – including better equipment organization, more amenities, lots of  storage, better technology, and increased security, Carey said.

The dedication ceremony will start at 10 a.m. Monday, May 10, and the public is encouraged to attend. Speakers will include the Adjutant General of Iowa, Brig. Gen. Timothy E. Orr, and others who will present about the history of the guard and the new center. The event will offer both a ribbon and cake cutting ceremony, and a tour of the facility. Before the event begins, there will be a group running with an American flag from the old armory to the new center, starting at 7 a.m.

Lt. Col. Tim Rickert, the officer in charge, said the facility also offers the opportunity to be rented out  to the public for events like weddings or meetings.

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