Laughlin Air Force Base BX Launches $15.7 Million Renovation

Exchange leaders from headquarters and Laughlin Air Force Base broke ground in January on an upcoming $15.7 million shopping center renovation—another Quality-of-Life improvement for military shoppers.

The project, led by the Exchange’s Senior Vice President of Real Estate Mike Smietana, Project Manager Jeremy Potts and Command Engineer Col. Kevin Brown, will transform the 42-year-old building into a modern shopping center with a built-in Express and new gas station. The Air Force will support the renovations with $6 million in funding.

The Exchange’s Real Estate team was joined by Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th FTW Command Chief Master Sgt. Lester Lagaespada, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Lt. Col. John Casey, Exchange South Central Region Vice President Antonio Porter, General Manager Madeline Salazar and Exchange Store Manager Julie McNeil to kick off the project.

Located in Del Rio, Texas—a border town with a population of roughly 34,000—the mall building received small renovations 2019. This time, the shopping center will receive new finishes, fixtures, equipment and Exchange branding elements throughout the mall. The building will see modern, energy-saving renovations including a new HVAC, fire protection, life safety and LED lighting systems; and a new, insulated roof. Remodeled and ADA accessible restrooms are also part of the project.

“This project is more than just a building; it exemplifies our ability to transform challenges into opportunities,” 47th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Robert Moore said in a statement.

“As we lay the foundation for the new Express facility and Exchange [AAFES] upgrades, we are also laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant and vibrant installation.”

Exchange leaders and key Laughlin Air Force Base personnel turn the first shovels of dirt on a shopping center renovation at the Laughlin AFB Exchange, symbolically commencing the $15.7 million project. From left: Store Manager Julie McNeil, Exchange Real Estate Vice President Michael Smietana, 47th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th FTW Command Chief Master Sgt. Lester Lagaespada, 47th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Robert Moore and 47th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Lt. Col. John Casey (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

The completed shopping center will include two food vendors; a renovated barber shop; hair and nail salon; open commodity space; and an arts and crafts frame shop.

“From what I’ve seen in my short time here, I believe the renovation will be outstanding. It will truly meet the needs of our shoppers giving them the merchandise and products they want and need—especially with the added fuel pumps,” Salazar said.

In addition to aesthetic updates, the shopping lineup will be refreshed to include a new 5,000-square-foot Express convenience store inside the shopping center. The new Express will offer a Snack Avenue, Chopz and Hunt Brothers Pizza. An outdoor, covered dining area next to the Express will be added for seating. The outdoor dining area will include a misting system and fans to keep the area cool. Two stalls for food trucks will be next to the dining space.

“This project will greatly enhance the quality of life for service members and their families at Laughlin Air Force Base,” said Potts, the project manager. “The modern shopping mall and convenience store will make the Exchange a hub for the community’s shopping and dining needs.”

The new Express will also have a 24-hour unattended fuel service with four dispensers of four fuel grades, including diesel. The full project is expected to take 15 months to complete.