Thursday, August 02, 2007

Exchange prepares for growth

Plans are under way to expand the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange and consolidate the existing Home and Garden Store and Military Clothing.

“We are expanding because of the projected increase of the community in the near future,” said Trinidad X. Saucedo, general manager of the Fort Belvoir Exchange.  “Because of the BRAC alignment, we have to position ourselves where we can adequately service the growing population which includes consolidating the Military Clothing Store and the Home and Garden Center.”

Plans for the expansion of the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange are in the infant stages of development.

“Right now, we need site approval,” said Saucedo.  “Then, we’ll go before the board in ‘08 for approval.  After we get board approval, then we’ll go into design.  We will work with the installation on the design plans.  Right now, we’re working with environmental to make sure we have environmental approval.”

While construction is taking place for a new building, business will not be disturbed at the current PX.

“The current PX will be open while the construction is going,” said Saucedo.  “It’s because it’s a separate building.  The current building is not being renovated.  We’re putting a brand new building up.  It’s going to be in the same area, except it’s going to be in the main parking lot but on the right hand side, facing housing.  The back of it will be to Gunston Road.”

The money used to fund the construction project is coming from AAFES.

“The money is coming from the capital investments that we have made,” said Saucedo.  “It’s part of the profit that we make. Because, 65 percent of our profit goes back into the installation and the other 35 percent goes back into construction.”

The Home and Garden Center and Military Clothing will be consolidated with the new main exchange.

“The new PX will have what we have in the old PX, along with Home and Garden and Military Clothing Sales,” said Saucedo.

According to Saucedo, the expansion of the Main Exchange will do nothing but improve the Fort Belvoir community.

“It will increase the revenue back into the installation,” said Saucedo.  “It will generate more sales.  By generating more sales, more will be given back to the community.”

Construction is tentatively scheduled for completion within the next few years.

“The PX could be completed by late 2010,” said Saucedo.  It could be either late 2010 or early 2011.”