Room For Improvement: Logan USO Transformation Part 1

The USO is best known for the charity shows it performs to build up the morale of our troops. But the United Service Organizations does a lot more than just entertain.

Richard P. Pelosi, USO of New England Executive Director
"Well if I go back to my service days, going to the USO is like going to a home away from home. It's a friendly voice."

One of the ways the USO reaches out is through airport lounges, like this one at Logan.

Richard P. Pelosi, USO of New England Executive Director
“It's to greet servicemen and women coming through Boston and provide them with information.”

But this spot is in need of a major upgrade. And that's where “Room For Improvement” designer Carol Iberger comes in.

Carol Iberger, Re-Deux Design
"In the room was insufficient layout, insufficient storage. It was evident that it needed to be really taken down to the bare walls."

With the help of donations, the renovations get underway.

Ed Freni, MassPort Director of Aviation
"This is an opportunity for this community to give back what we can to the servicemen and women that are protecting the country."

The room is completely emptied and everything from floor to ceiling is torn down. New walls are built to divide the room and cabinets are custom-made to fit the space.

Carol Iberger, Re-Deux Design
"Every little piece is engineered, where all the millwork, the cabinets, were all specifically designed for that space, to hold storage."

A light blue accent wall gives the USO a subtle touch of color, while the rest of the walls are painted a silvery gray to reflect the light and make this small space brighter.

Carol Iberger, Re-Deux Design
"There are no windows, so there's no natural light, and so we wanted a lot of light walls to bounce off the energy."

Then recessed lighting gives the room a serene glow.

It looks like we're getting closer to welcoming in our military men and women.

Lisa Caruccio, USO Volunteer
"Oh, I’m excited. I can't wait to see their faces."

As you can see, a lot more work still needs to be done to get this room ready for the troops. Coming up next week, we're going to add the finishing touches and show you the huge reveal!

DESIGNER:
Carol Iberger – Certified Interior Refiner
RE-DEUX DESIGN
North Shore, Ma.
617-548-6294

(Copyright (c) 2007 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)