Construction Update
Click here to visit our online renovation photo album
Update - April 30, 2008
Floor is in, flies are out
• The decision has been made to keep the sealed bare concrete floor and not install the tile as originally planned. Some reasons for the decision:
1. Sealed concrete is less expensive to install and maintain than tile. Saving money here leaves us with more in our renovation contingency budget for unexpected costs that may arise in the future.
2. Sealed concrete is easier to clean and more sanitary than tile.
3. In a high traffic environment, tile requires repair or replacement about every five years. Sealed concrete won't break down like tile.
4. Sealed concrete uses fewer materials and is more environmentally friendly.
5. Members told us that they preferred the look of the bare floor.
The renovation crew will soon treat the area covered in Phase 1 - all the floor with the old tile already ripped up. The Co-op maintenance team will then apply a no-skid wax to ensure safety. Check out the test patch between produce and housewares to experience how the finished floor will look and feel.
• Air curtains are coming soon. These are fans which produce a blast of air as you enter the store - yes, like at Nugget - and their purpose is to keep the flies out. We'll be installing air curtains at customer entry and exit points as well as staff entry and exit points. They may tussle your hair a bit, but they are a clean and effective way to keep flies away from your food here in the store. The air curtains also help us save energy on air conditioning and heating.
• Coming soon, a new refrigerated end cap featuring raw foods. In the next couple of weeks, look for the raw end cap in the grocery area near the cheese department. The new endcap will look a little out of place when it is first installed but will fit in nicely once the renovatin hits the grocery department.
Update - April 23, 2008
The deli shuffle
• If you're in the store, you will no doubt notice the new fixture placement in the deli. This placement is temporary to make room for improvements behind the counter (see renovation plans for details).
• The Co-op-owned duplex across the street will see construction begin on May 5. The duplex will be home to a new teaching kitchen for cooking classes. Some staff offices will also relocate.
• What about the floors? Next time you shop the Co-op, take a look at the test patch of sealed concrete, outlined by blue tape between the produce and housewares areas. We’re leaning this way for cost, durability and environmental reasons. Use our renovation comment cards to let us know what you think.
Sealed concrete floor test patch between produce and general merchandise.
More photos here
Deli ceiling and
lighting undergo
transformation. More photos here
The new produce sign system clearly labels each item, directly on the item.
More photos here
New Protocol brand compressors undergoing installation in the backstock area
above the deli freezers. More photos here
Update - April 1, 2008
Phase 1A Construction Began Yesterday
• Phase 1A–the Co-op Deli–is next up for renovation.
• Before the new deli fixtures are installed, the crew must set up a new, energy efficient complressor system to run them. These new compressors will link all of the Co-op's refrigeration systems.
• What about the floors? Due to customer requests, we are exploring the option of treating the bare floor to keep the minimal look. The Co-op will likely prepare two sample patches of flooring and let staff and customers decide between the tile and the concrete finishes. More details to come.
The recently installed barrier helps to better distinguish organically grown from conventionally grown produce. More photos here
The new produce sign system clearly labels each item, directly on the item.
More photos here
The new cheese display allows for more sampling, better customer service and,
of course, more cheese. More photos here
The new olive & antipasto bar
continues to be popular, especially with the increase
of local & organic choices. More photos here
Learn more:
Past Renovation Updates
What's the Renovation all About?
Renovation 2007 Photo Album
Phase 1 Sample Photographs
Renovation 2007 Master Plan Summary
Davis Food Co-op Home