Shopping complex takes shaped Published Sept. 24, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Construction of the new base exchange and commissary complex has been impacted somewhat by summer thundershowers and rain from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. "The commissary is progressing as well as can be expected after we had a few days delay because of bad weather," said technical inspector Jose Riojas, who estimated that the overall project is 41 percent complete. "The commissary footprint slab is in place with the exception of a strip around the interior perimeter because the prefabricated panels had to be installed before this area was to receive the concrete." Structural steel members and a metal deck are installed. All prefabricated panels are in place, and the contractor is waiting for perimeter area soil moisture content to come down to an acceptable point to complete installation, according to Mr. Riojas. Refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and ventilation units have been placed on the deck, and interior supply and return ducts are in place. About 75 percent of roof drains and interior piping are done, and about half of the fire sprinkler system piping has been roughed in. The electrical subcontractor is about halfway done with the roughing-in of conduit and wiring. The sewer and storm drainage for the site is about 80 percent complete. Concrete and soil reclamation operations continue, with the product being used as subgrade for the site roads and parking lots. The contractor has also installed a manhole and lift station for the temporary commissary restrooms and it is in operation as of today. Work on the exchange hasn't progressed as far as the commissary, according to technical inspector Johnny Michael. "Future progress depends largely on the weather," Mr. Michael stated.Work on the footers is 70 percent complete, and two sections of the slab's footprint have been placed. The remaining footprint is being fine-graded and prepared for slab placement. Most of the exchange's underground utilities have been installed, and steel erection should begin in October.