Shopping complex construction on track Published Sept. 21, 2009 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Progress is on track for the new base exchange, pharmacy and commissary. Once construction is accomplished and turned over to the tenants in the building, base officials and representatives from the Defense Commissary Agency and Army and Air Force Exchange Service determine the grand opening date. "The commissary is approximately 95 percent complete," said Johnny Michael, technical inspector. "We still need to install shelving and gondolas in the sales area. Refrigerated cases are installed and we're verifying connections to the refrigeration plant before testing. We have to install shelving and secure storage in the warehouse, place concrete around the entrance and exits, install the interior décor package and interior and exterior metal doors and hook up building to base phone." The exchange and pharmacy have a little farther to go, with about 20 percent of the work remaining. "All the walls have been erected and painted, most of the ceiling grids have been hung and some ceiling tiles are being placed," Mr. Michael reported. "Restrooms are tiled and fixtures are installed. The back area of the food court is tiled and the seating area is currently being tiled. "Flooring hasn't been installed yet in the main sales area or mall area," he continued. The main entrance tower is being finished. The outdoor living area needs the sunscreen cover and metal fence installed, and work on the temporary loading ramp and dock needs to be completed. All the items that remain to be done for the commissary, except refrigeration, also have to be completed at the exchange." The drive-through for the pharmacy should be paved in the next few weeks, according to Mr. Michael. Site work continues and parking lot and road paving continues. "In the remaining months, fencing will be moved around as different phases of the site work are completed," he added.