LAKEPORT — Caution tape and construction workers are a common sight at the Lakeport Safeway on Eleventh Street as the store undergoes a remodel to make way for a Starbucks Coffee, full-service pharmacy and expanded selection.
Plans include moving the deli and bakery, installing an expanded dairy section, moving the back wall to make room for a pharmacy and opening a Starbucks inside, according to construction superintendent Scott Honsvick of Midstate Construction Corporation, a Petaluma firm hired as the general contractor on the project. Construction began May 12, and is expected to be complete in January 2009.
“Virtually everything in the store is going to be brand-new ? new check stands, shelving, bakery, meats, deli ? everything is going to be new,” Honsvick said.
After plumbing work, inspections and employee training is completed, Starbucks is expected to open during the week of June 23 ? 27, according to Honsvick.
In addition, the store will offer a full-service pharmacy in the back of the store, where packaged meats and cheeses are currently kept in an open refrigerator. Bathrooms will be built next to the pharmacy. Although Honsvick offered no guarantees, he estimated that the pharmacy will be open within the next three months.
“With the expansion, there will be a new addition onto the building, four or five more islands with meat and freezer cases in one location. Instead of being spread out, they will be centralized and it will be easier to shop for whatever you need,” Honsvick said.
Store clerk Jack Beauregard said he hasn”t yet fielded many questions from customers trying to find things, but he anticipates more to come as construction continues.
“Anytime you go through a remodel like this it”s tough. But once it”s complete, it will be much more pleasant for shopping. There will be more room, more variety and more sections,” Beauregard said.
Honsvick said he hopes to start work re-roofing the store this week or at the beginning of next week. Honsvick said contrary to prior plans, the storefront will not be moving 30 feet forward and businesses closest to the Safeway storefront will not be relocated.
A safety barrier at the store”s north entrance was built to protect customers as roof work begins, according to Honsvick.
“I remember when the Safeway was over where the Bank of America is,” Lakeport resident Irene Justice said, watching a construction worker measure the floor for a new aisle.
“I”m anxious to see what this turns out like,” Justice said.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
