RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Base and Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials broke ground Feb. 20 on the new $24 million Randolph Base Exchange.
With more than 159,000 square feet, eight stores (other than the BX) and six eateries, many consumers will feel like they're in a mini shopping mall. The BX alone will dwarf the old one, doubling the merchandise space from 39,500 sq. ft. to 79,000 sq. ft.
"We're excited to have more space than before," said Mike Einer, BX store manager. "This means we can have less merchandise in the stock room and more on the floor."
Although all of the details of the new BX haven't been finalized, several features will help shoppers accomplish more tasks in less time. With amenities like an optical shop, UPS store, GNC, military clothing sales store (with alteration shop), pharmacy, day spa, beauty shop, barber shop and concession spaces, errands can combine with elation to allow customers a quick option to pick up dry cleaning and mail a letter on their lunch hour, or spend all day styling their hair or visiting the spa.
Not to be outdone, food and drink retailers will hold their own, boasting top restaurants like Starbucks, Popeye's Chicken, Robin Hood Sandwich Shoppe, Anthony's Pizza, Charley's Steakery and Manchu Wok.
Designers are also excited to be part of an ongoing U.S. Green Building Council initiative to provide an environmentally friendly and healthy interior for customers and employees.
The USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program examines sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design. Each area has credits with points associated for meeting that credit. Based on the total number of points, a rating level is awarded. Designers are striving to reach the "Silver" certification level.
"Sustainable design studies the entire life cycle - from conception to demolition - of a building," said Keith Parker, AAFES Design and Construction Division project manager. "It provides the lowest life cycle cost combination of design, construction, energy, maintenance costs, and residual value. AAFES is committed to building facilities that are capable of meeting the LEED Certified level."
Once construction is complete, a "soft" opening is scheduled to take place in May 2010, Mr. Parker said. To reduce impact to customers, the soft opening will allow the new BX to open while keeping the old BX in operation. Once the new store is ready to go, the old BX will be shut down and demolished to create more parking spaces.
When all is said and done, the grand opening will officially open the doors sometime in July 2010.