TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A major renovation project is scheduled to begin at the Tyndall AFB Commissary Aug. 22.
The renovation will take 15 months to complete, but store hours will remain unaffected during this time.
The Defense Commissary Agency awarded the $9.8 million contract to Summit Construction, Inc. of Santa Rosa Beach, and the upgrades will result in an overall better shopping experience for customers.
The project will upgrade the interior design and layout in the sales area, as well as replace the heating and air ventilation system, and refrigeration display cases throughout the store.
One of the biggest changes will be the consolidation of the deli and bakery into one large island, similar to some modern grocery store layouts. This will include a dedicated sushi counter, and a new addition to the commissary’s list of services – rotisserie chicken.
“The new layout is going to greatly improve the flow of the store, especially during the busy lunch hours,” said Scott Huckins, the Tyndall AFB Commissary store administrator. “We are also relocating the express checkouts to this area, which means Airmen can get the items they need and be on their way.”
The renovation will include constructing a new entrance, which means customers will not have to enter from the lobby by the Exchange. Customers may also exit through those doors instead of using the primary exits.
New flooring, lighting, signs and shelves will accompany the updated façade outside, which will be updated to reflect the improved interior. A customer service kiosk at the front of the store will provide customers with information.
Built in 1979, the commissary was renovated once in 1995, and new equipment has been added periodically since then, Huckins said. “This is a welcome upgrade. We are able to provide everything our customers need, but the renovation will give our customers a first-class experience.”
Customers will see a number of changes over the next 15 months, and their favorite groceries may be on a different aisle than normal, said Diolita Abel, the store director.
“We will have staff out in the store to assist customers with finding the products they want,” Abel said. Aisles may be narrower at times, and the warehouse area, where case lot sales are normally held, will be used to continue to provide everything customers need.
The renovations are made possible by the surcharge on items purchased at the commissary. Commissaries sell items at-cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which helps cover the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones, Abel said.
The new HVAC and refrigeration equipment are much more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, which will help minimize Tyndall’s environmental footprint.
“We want to provide our customers the best experience they could possibly have, and this renovation is an important step toward reaching that goal,” Abel said.
In the meantime, Abel asked customers to be patient during the process, since periodic changes in shopping patterns will occur.
“The benefit of improving our infrastructure now will pay dividends for many years to come,” said Col. Ronald Pieri, 325th Mission Support Group commander. “This is more than just another construction project on base. We are improving the quality of life for our Airmen and families.”