Post Falls-based contractor CMEC Inc. has landed an almost $1 million construction contract as part of an overall $6 million remodel and addition project that is now under way at the Fairchild Air Force Base exchange store.

CMEC started work in February toward an interior upgrade of the retail center that is expected to be completed in August, says Tyler Jensen, a CMEC project manager. He says the company will have 12 to 18 employees working on the remodel project. That work will include installing a new ceiling, flooring, energy-saving lighting fixtures, and an alarm system for fire suppression. CMEC also will build a 3,000-square-foot addition for an outdoor living and garden center.

ALSC Architects PS, of Spokane, handled the design work for the remodeling project.

Worldwide, the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operates base exchanges, which sell consumer goods such as electronics, clothing, and household items to active duty, reserve, National Guard and retired U.S. service members and their dependents. AAFES will have its contractors do other additional upgrade work for the overall $6 million remodel at the Fairchild store, commonly referred to as the BX for base exchange, says Judy Loper, the store's sales and merchandise manager.

Loper referred further questions about the remodeling project and the scope of work to a store general manager, who was not available for comment.

"It's due for completion in August with a re-grand opening in September," says Loper about the overall work. "This is mainly an image upgrade for the interior."

The upgrade will bring the total floor space in the complex to 41,000 square feet and will bring the facility up to AAFES standards. The BX is located at 107 W. Spaatz Road, in the northern portion of the base.

CMEC, which operates as a general construction and a construction management firm, is a disabled veteran-owned business.

It also does U.S. government contract work, with the majority of the company's work including remodels and reconstruction of existing structures.