Base exchange upgrade nearly completed Published Feb. 11, 2011 By Kelly Deichert Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The construction dust should be cleared in the Maxwell base exchange by the beginning of March, said Patricia Austin, general manager of the Maxwell/Fort Rucker Consolidated Exchange. The food court expansion and BX renovations faced some delays due to unexpected engineering and structural complications typical of older buildings, she said. "When our renovation is complete, (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) will be much better equipped to serve our customers at Maxwell with the latest products and name-brand fast foods," Ms. Austin said. "We're getting very close." The food court will include Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Taco Bell, Charley's Steakery and Anthony's Subs, which is a combination of Anthony's Pizza and Robin Hood Sandwich Shoppe. Cafficcinos Serious Coffee, a local coffee shop featuring gourmet pastries and specialty drinks, will open, too. GNC and the beauty/barber shop, which were temporarily relocated, will move back. Customers will see changes in the BX as well. The front entrance is getting a makeover with new floor and ceiling tiles. The bathrooms are being updated, featuring infant diaper-changing tables. Inside, AAFES is replacing the register stands. "Above all, we are doing our part to go green, and the materials used in the image upgrade are environmentally friendly, to include the T8 fluorescent lights," said Christine Stallwood, the main store manager. "The BXTRA will close, and linens, ready-to-assemble furniture and large appliances will be brought back in to the facility to continue the one-stop shopping experience," she said. The BX also is adding several product lines. "You'll see a better selection," Ms. Austin said. Ms. Stallwood thanks the community for patience during the renovations. "We appreciate their loyalty to us during this period of transition, and the finished work will exceed their expectations," she said. "Maxwell is home to some of the best Airmen in the world, and the Maxwell BX staff is pleased to serve them." "By shopping with us, our customers will be supporting Maxwell because AAFES returns approximately 67 percent of our earnings back to the base in the form of morale, welfare and recreation dividends," Ms. Austin said. "The dividends are used to build gyms, libraries, bowling alleys, etc."