GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Army & Air Force Exchange Service awarded general contracting the contract to begin the renovation project on the Main Exchange here over the next 20 months. The project is projected to begin in mid-November and be completed by July of 2021.
“The Base Exchange is planned to move out on 6 Nov. and will move into the Carswell Gym after closing for one day, 7 Nov. and reopened on 8 Nov. The renovation project will take approximately two years, and they’re planning to reopen the BX in July of 2021,” said Col. Tony England, 17th Mission Support Group commander. “The Subway, the barbershop and beauty shop, will not be affected, and they will continue operations as normal.”
The renovation was deemed necessary due to infrastructure issues within the current building.
“It is a very complicated construction process because what we are doing is demolishing a portion of the building down to the foundation, because of the structural deficiencies that it has,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Anderson, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “We are going to keep that front portion open while we are doing construction. We are essentially constructing that portion like new. There is a lot of work and phasing that is going to have to go into that, and that is part of why it is going to take two years to complete.”
This construction project will not affect any of the other businesses operating out of the BX building.
“At no time will the BX close any of its services. It is going to be a seamless transition,” said England.
One inevitable downfall to this project is the influx of patrons utilizing the Mathis Fitness Center. Luckily, there are plans to bring in new equipment for the reopening of the Carswell Field House in 2021.
“There will be a peak use at the Mathis Gym, there is no way to avoid that,” said England. “The good news is when the Carswell Gym reopens, it will be mostly all new equipment.”
AAFES has projected the Carswell Field House will begin operating as the Main Exchange on Friday, Nov. 8. The final day of operation out of the current BX location will be Wednesday, Nov. 6. The BX and Military Clothing Sales will be closed for relocation Thursday, Nov. 7 for the entire day.