CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Base Exchange at Charleston AFB is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion project which will add considerable size to the existing facility.
"We've started a renovation where we're going to actually increase and expand on square footage by about 40,000 square feet," said Morris Howard, the BX general manager.
The BX will be nearly 50 percent larger than the existing facility once renovations are complete.
"Currently, the size of the BX is 62,000 square feet. So, we'll have a total of 104,000 square feet once completed," he said. "The construction actually mobilized June of this year ... we anticipate a total completion of approximately January 2011."
At completion, Mr. Howard said the total cost of the project will be approximately $10.2 million.
The renovation of the BX is direct result of feedback from customers through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's customer service index, which is an annual survey conducted by BX staff members through their customers.
The goal of the renovation is respond to customer feedback by providing greater service, selection and satisfaction, Mr. Howard said.
"So, were taking the suggestion from our customers and were placing it into this project to expand on the goods that we currently have, expand on the brands that we have, as well as the quality of life," he said. "It's a unique project within itself, simply because it's a renovation as well as new construction. So, it's very, very unique in its own way."
The renovation includes construction of new areas for food court operations, the General Nutrition Centers store, barber shop and beauty shop.
"Also, we will be relocating the military clothing sales to this building which will energize this area and increase the traffic flow," he said. "It will basically be a one stop shop for all our customers."
The BX is also receiving renovations to prevent damage from an earthquake. These renovations, along with others have forced the closure of much of the BX parking lot.
Greg Svabik, a superintendent with Walbridge construction company, said customers may notice small flags placed in the ground around the site. Each represents the placement of new earthquake drains, which are a protection measure for seismic stability.
"In the distance you'll see a small backhoe out there, they're just completing the installation of the new water main which was installed and connected [on Oct. 26]," he said.
Construction dealing with the BX water system may also cause water outages for residents of Hunley Park family housing, and depending changes in water pressure, boil water notices may also be released.
The 437th Civil Engineer Squadron releases information regarding scheduled water outages, and the 437th Airlift Wing Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight releases boil water notices.
Notices are sent via e-mail through the 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office and 437th Communications Squadron direct messenger system. Notices will also be displayed on the base marquee.
During a boil water advisory, the Bioenvironmental Engineering Hotline will be updated with a message on the status of the boil water advisory. Residents are encouraged to call the Hotline at 963-0007 for updates. For any questions or concerns regarding boil water advisories, contact the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight at 963-6289.
For any questions or concerns regarding water outages, contact Master Sgt. Shawn Lindsey at 963-5002 or Wayne Cotton at 963-4963.
Staff Sgt. Robert Sizelove, 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this article.