Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson Boniface Gate Visitor Control Center

A First Impression That Has to Work Every Day

For most visitors to Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Boniface Gate is the first point of contact with the installation. The gate is where credentials are checked, questions are answered, and access decisions are made. As visitor volumes increased, the U.S. Air Force needed a new Visitor Control Center that could process people efficiently while meeting strict security requirements and presenting a clear, professional presence at a highly visible entry point.

Designing Security Into the Building Itself

RESPEC supported the design of the new Visitor Control Center in close coordination with BDS Architects and the Air Force base architect. Rather than treating security as an add-on, the team integrated force-protection features directly into the building’s structure and layout.

Exposed steel in the moment-frame structure creates open interior spaces that improve circulation, visibility, and staff efficiency. Protective elements such as a concrete blast wall and ballistic-rated windows were designed as architectural features, providing safety without giving the building a fortress-like appearance. Outside the facility, we designed the lighting to change between blue, green, yellow, and red hues—a tribute to the Northern Lights. Exterior walkways were heat traced to reduce ice hazards and keep visitors moving safely year round.

The project also improved how vehicles move through the gate. A larger parking area and realigned traffic patterns reduce congestion and confusion for visitors. Construction was carefully phased, including temporary gate closures, to maintain base access while upgrades were completed.

A Safer, Clearer Point of Entry

The completed Visitor Control Center delivers a clear, secure point of entry for Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, improving how visitors are processed and how the base presents itself.

The project team embedded security and cold-region design into the building itself, strengthening daily operations and creating a front door that reflects the scale and purpose of the installation.