A new era of convenience kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 5 to celebrate the grand reopening of a freshly redesigned Luke Air Force Base Exchange.
Col. Ryan Richardson, commander of the 56th Mission Support Group at Luke Air Force Base, helped cut the ribbon along with Exchange Western Region Vice President Robert Rice and Luke BX General Manager Aileen Beck. The $9.8 million project—with costs shared between the Exchange and the installation—marks the first renovation of the 45-year-old facility since 2007.
“The 56th Fighter Wing leadership team is incredibly excited to roll out the newly renovated facility at the Luke AFB Main Exchange,” Richardson said. “We are constantly striving to provide world-class support to our service members, past and present, as well as their families and our mission partners. This companion project is yet another example of that commitment. I would like to thank AAFES for their continued support of Fighter Country, and we look forward to many more years of partnership in promoting the health and welfare of our Thunderbolt family.”
The Exchange—not taxpayers—provided nearly $6 million of the project costs, with the Air Force paying for the roof and HVAC system. The Luke Exchange was previously updated in 1994 and 2007.
The 112,670-square-foot shopping center delivers the Exchange benefit—tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing on goods and services—to active-duty Airmen, Guard members, Reservists, military families, retirees, Veterans with service-connected disabilities and Department of Defense civilians.
Approximately 93,000 authorized shoppers who live in the Phoenix area will benefit from a modern shopping experience while helping improve the quality of life for those who call Luke Air Force Base home, as 100% of Exchange earnings support service members and their families.
The renovation includes new polished concrete flooring in the main Exchange, mall and food court, along with new ceiling tiles and freshly painted walls adorned with Exchange murals and signage. Additional upgrades include new checkout stands and a renovated Customer Service area.
The updated Exchange has been outfitted with new energy-efficient items, including LED lighting, heating and air conditioning, and energy management control system.
“This is a great day for the Exchange,” said Luke Exchange General Manager Aileen Beck. “Our Airmen, their families and military shoppers can shop tax-free for quality name brands in a warm, inviting setting.”
The shopping center features the main BX with name-brand electronics, clothing, BE FIT gear and other general merchandise. The updated mall includes a new DOCS dental clinic offering a full selection of services, including cleanings, orthodontics, X-rays and oral surgery. Other services include a new Avis Rental Car agency with cars available onsite, beauty shop, barbershop, optical and optometry shops, nutrition center, dry cleaners, clothing alterations store and outfitter, and a medical supply store.
The food court includes name brands such as Starbucks, Charleys, Popeyes and Subway. All restaurants offer better-for-you options.
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