anchor Description
This level of effort project is intended to provide a structured process to ensure that all Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) retail store locations are modernized and updated to provide customers with a friendlier shopping experience in well-merchandised stores that offer choice, convenience, and knowledgeable staff. Once a retail store has been refreshed, it could offer a more aesthetically pleasing and safer shopping experience with new flooring and lighting, wider shopping aisles, tasting rooms, pairing dinners, and other special events. Flooring, painting, shelving, updating restrooms, and work identified for major building systems (including roofing, mechanical/heating, ventilation, air conditioning [HVAC], and added security measures) will be included to freshen up the retail stores and ensure working and efficient operating systems.
anchorEstimated Schedule
ABS started remodeling stores in FY20 within the operating budget, with four refurbishment projects at the Gaitherburg, Cabin John, Montrose, and Wheaton retail store locations. The remodel schedule will align with lease expirations with stores being remodeled in the year in which their lease is negotiated for renewal with the understanding that all stores will be evaluated and refurbished prior to the end of the capital improvement program project. ABS identifies the stores to be refreshed approximately 18 months before planning and design work begins.
anchor Justification
This project is a vital piece of ABS's five-year financial plan related to its transfer to the County. Many of the retail stores have not been updated for 20 years. Ensuring that ABS is able to execute its multi-year plan to renovate/upgrade its 20 outdated retail stores is key to providing better service to its clientele. This project will also allow ABS to leverage contributions from landlords - an investment the landlords will not commit to without the County funding appropriation.