The long-awaited 12,000 square foot addition to NAS Whidbey Island’s Navy Exchange opened to customers Jan. 4 as part of an overall $10 million, five-phase renovation project that began May 2010 when ground was broken on the north side of the historic World War II structure.

Originally built in 1942 to house PBY Catalina seaplanes, the hangar was converted to a Navy Exchange in 1976. Over the years it has undergone various other renovations, but none have been as extensive as this project.

“This is the largest project in the Navy Exchange worldwide for this fiscal year,” said Lynn Moore, General Manager of NAS Whidbey Island Navy Exchange. The new addition, where the Garden Shop was formerly located, features 9,000 square feet of retail, while the rest is used for receiving and storage.

Moore explained that projects fall into two categories, with anything over $750,000 considered major.

“While many minor projects have been done over the last 10 years, the last major project to the main store was in 1998 and it was about one-tenth the scope of this project,” said Moore.

Customers will find food, candy, soda, cleaning supplies, books and magazines, health and beauty, and beverages in the addition, which was built by contractor Triton Marine.

One might ask why they didn’t build a brand new Navy Exchange.

“It costs twice as much per square foot to build from scratch than to renovate existing,” said Moore.  And, in line with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, all modifications to the exterior had to be approved to preserve the historic site.

Many will be glad to know that the “beehive” over the south entrance is going away. This entrance and the west entrance will be replaced with new enclosed vestibules to match the new addition on the north side. 

The Garden Shop will not be replaced.

“Garden shops are difficult to make profitable,” said Moore, explaining that like any major large department store, the Navy Exchange is in the business to make a profit. “They (garden shops) have low margin and require a lot of labor, meaning low return on investment. It’s a business based decision.”

With phase one done, the next four will take until October 2011 to finish. Moore expressed customers’ need for a little patience during the year, saying the wait will be worth it.

“There will be temporary construction walls throughout every phase,” she said. “Entrances will be closed in order to upgrade them; bathrooms will be closed during renovations, meaning we’ll have to use Porta Potties; and departments will be moved around while each section is completed.”

In the end, customers can expect wider aisles; double doors on all entrances which will control the elements better; increased selection in many categories based on current consumer trends and larger restrooms with more stalls in both men’s and women’s.

“All interior flooring, fixtures and finishes will be replaced,” Moore said. “Optical will be moved and enlarged, including an on-site optometrist. The Salon will be expanded to include a full-service spa; and look for a reconfigured and updated Food Court as well.”

The Navy Exchange serves over 33,000 people, active duty, reservists and retirees, from all five branches of the Armed Forces. The air station Navy Exchange prides itself in customer service as evidence by $55 million in sales annually.

Shoppers can look forward to a whole brand “new” exchange in late fall 2011.