Joint Base Lewis-McChord is taking steps toward providing soldiers, airmen and their families with high quality housing.

To that end, Army and Air Force leaders celebrated the beginning of privatized housing since the inception of JBLM-McChord Field.

A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the event on Tuesday at the new Westcott Hills housing area.

"We are committed to providing quality housing for our soldiers and airmen," said Brig. Gen. Jeff Mathis, deputy commander, I Corps.

"Our soldiers and airmen deserve the best."

The ceremony showcased the completion of the first eight homes of the 32-unit Westcott Housing area; the remaining three and four bedroom houses are slated for completion by June 2010.

Privatized housing on JBLM McChord Field is being constructed and managed by Equity Residential/Lewis-McChord Communities, LLC.

Lewis-McChord Communities is the result of the Residential Communities Initiative program initiated by the Department of the Army.

The Army has joined with Equity Residential and their development partner, Lincoln Property Company from the private sector, to oversee all aspects of the family housing communities.

Along with building and renovating homes, Equity has also constructed parks, community centers and walking trails.

"We are committed to improving the quality of the lives of those who defend us," said Bruce Lavine, Equity Residential senior vice president.

"We are honored to be a partner with these soldiers and airmen; we look forward to continuing our service."

The company has been responsible for the construction and renovation of housing on JBLM Lewis Main and Lewis North for the past seven years.

To date, there have been 729 new homes built and 2,478 homes renovated on JBLM Lewis Main and Lewis North under the Residential Communities Initiative.

"Today is special; this is the first opening since becoming Joint Base Lewis-McChord," said Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander.

Then directly addressing the representatives form Equity Residential, he added.

"You've done a wonderful job."

Construction on Westcott Hills began in January 2009.  The houses will house field grade officers and their families.

Ground has already been broken at JBLM McChord Field for the 62-unit Cascade Village housing area.  The near future also features plans for an additional 250 new homes to be constructed on McChord Field.

"We believe we provide premier housing for the military members and their families," said Boyd Lucas, construction manager for Equity Residential.

"We are proud to be here."