Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do?

   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #1  

bczoom

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2004
Messages
2,304
OK, here's an off the wall one.

A couple of us are looking at/considering purchasing a cold-war era communications bunker/bomb shelter.

To cut to the chase (so you don't need to read the details below) is what would one do with it?

We toured the place for the first time yesterday. Here's what we saw and found out:
- The shelter is approx. 22,000+ square feet (it's BIG!!!).
- At floor level, it's approx. 40-50' underground.
- Walls are concrete/steel/lead and are thick!!! Doors weigh close to 3 tons each (and that's a 36" wide door /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
- It was built to sustain close to 100 people for a year.
- It was built to be able to withstand a nuclear blast as close as 5 miles away.
- The infrastructure components are probably 90+% intact and include turbine generators, self contained water and sewer treatment, HVAC, air purification... Regular system tests were performed until about 3 years ago.
- Construction was completed in 1971 and site was decomissioned in 1991.
- It appears that all of the "big ticket" potential problem areas for conversion have been addressed. (There's no asbestos, 2 stair wells, limited sprinkler system...).
- It was designed primarily as a communications site. The place is absolutely loaded with electrical capabilities.
- The main room is approx. 150'x 80'. There's several other rooms for the equipment as well as a medical office/decontamination center, conference room, bathrooms, a couple offices...
- With no heat or AC, the temp stays between 65-69 degrees (depending on season).

So, before I kick out some ideas I have, what would you consider doing with it?

Brian
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #2  
On one of the home shows, they showed several of these out west, that were converted to full time homes. They were awesome as homes after completed. I have another idea, however, won't post it here..
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #3  
Why not use the electrical abilities to your benefit?
How about a remote conferencing/communications center? For teleworkers and or people that need to communicate in secure off-site environments.

I'd say with gas prices the way they are, based on location, your shelter could be viewed as a corporate retreat or focal point for company gatherings.

When not in use, turn it into a cold-war tourist trap. Complete with reality based armed guards and scripting.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #4  
My first couple of ideas were probably something along the lines of what Larry didn't post.

Now.. this 'deep' bunker.. are you presumably buying the 'top side' land that it is burried under as well?

Heck.. sounds like a neat house... what? about half an acre of living space?

Soundguy
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #5  
My initial reaction?

Where do you go to buy something like this?

Suggestions for use?

Bed and Breakfast for the "full camo and body armour" crowd.
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Now.. this 'deep' bunker.. are you presumably buying the 'top side' land that it is burried under as well?)</font>

Yes, there's 1.4 acres on top. An access building to the bunker which is probably 30x50', parking lot and some grassy areas with all the vent pipes sticking out.
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #7  
I think I'd add a sunroom topside and live in that baby.... what a neat house for a shift worker!
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #8  
If it were down here in Tornado Alley it would make a great storm shelter. Other than that, there may come a time when a home that needs no cooling and little heat would be a distinct and significant advantage.
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #9  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( there may come a time when a home that needs no cooling and little heat would be a distinct and significant advantage.
)</font>

After just opening my gas and electric bill for last month, I'd venture to guess that time is already upon us. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
   / Bomb shelter conversion - what would you do? #10  
Send me more dimensions so I can start building my "tornado" shelter. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I love places like that. Unfortunately, I've found them to be very expensive to re-create today. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif My little "secret" place can't hold a candle to that one. Besides, my son (who wants to go to West Point) keeps eating my MRE's! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 

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