LANGLEY AFB, Va. –
The base gas station closes its doors 6 p.m. Jan. 28 to support renovations and to make way for a new mini-mall, which is scheduled to open in early spring 2007.
"This is something we have had plenty of preparation for," said Myra Florence, Army and Air Force Exchange Service general manager here.
Planning began more than a year ago when the 1st Civil Engineer Squadron decided the gas station area was needed for the hospital additions and renovations plan. The plan calls for the conversion of the gas station area and surrounding access roads to parking space for the hospital.
"The three-story building is going to combine buildings that are currently inconveniently spaced apart throughout the property," said 2nd Lt. Walter Lee, 1st CES project manager for the hospital additions.
While additions and renovations for the hospital are projected for completion in January 2009, demolition of the current gas station will start early in February.
The new gas station is going to offer many improvements in comparison to the current gas station.
With double the amount of pumps and a larger convenience store, waiting in line will be a thing of the past, according to Mrs. Florence.
The new mini-mall will also feature a Church's Chicken, a drive-thru automatic car wash, a Class Six shoppette and a better car care center. Also, AAFES plans to employ 30 more workers in addition to the employees working at the current gas station.
Located at the intersection of Nealy Avenue and Tuskegee Airman Boulevard and adjacent to the theater, the mini-mall will also provide easier access.
"This is really a win-win situation for AAFES and the hospital," said Lieutenant Lee.