The northeast Wichita Dillons at 21st and Rock is getting an facelift inside.

“It’s basically an interior upgrade and refresh, similar to what they’re doing on a lot of their stores,” says Dennis Kerschen, president of The Law Co. Inc.

The Law Co. took out a building permit for a commercial alteration at the store, with the permit valuing the project at $1.35 million.

The work is expected to take about four months.

Kerschen says the work includes new decor, fixturing, including lights, and exposing ductwork and other structures in the ceiling. It also includes some reconfiguration of the store to match Dillons’ new prototypes, he says.

“Departments will move around a little bit from where they are currently” and there will be new graphics around the interior, Kerschen says.

The Law Co. is doing a lot of renovation work for Dillons, including outside of Wichita, he says. The contractor just finished a store in Lawrence and is doing others in Leavenworth and Junction City, the lion’s share of which are mostly interior projects.

UPDATE:
Dillons got back with me with more details on what its project, starting next week, includes.
Here’s what it shared:
When complete, the newly remodeled Dillons will feature enhancements throughout the store. Examples include:
• Expanded offerings of natural and organic foods at Nature’s Market
• New gourmet cheese shop and olive bar
• Expanded sushi kiosk
• Enhanced produce department with additional selections of garden-fresh produce, including organic varieties and a new salad bar
• New beverage center with fountain sodas and coffee
• Enhanced bakery department
• New indoor and outdoor seating area near Starbucks with new storefront windows for natural lighting
• New Guest Services with Dillons Money Services

• Enhanced Chinese kitchen and deli departments
• Fresh looks with a décor package — warm colors, upgraded department markers, and energy- efficient ambient lighting
Sheila Lowrie, Dillons spokesperson, said the store will use the remodel opportunity to install energy- efficient equipment, lighting, and new refrigeration cases.

Those upgrades include:
• Lighting: An automated lighting system will maintain an energy-efficient schedule with motion sensor technology. Similarly, LED lighting with motion sensors will be installed in the dairy cases.
• Building materials: Installation of polished concrete floors will cut back on construction materials and will allow for easier maintenance. This will reduce the need for chemical cleaning solvents over time.
Reuse and recycle: Store associates will continue to be trained to follow a waste reduction and recycling program for all cardboard and plastic packaging the store receives. Dillons will also encourage customers to reduce waste by offering affordable reusable shopping bags and a convenient plastic bag recycling center.

Original Article
By John Stearns, Reporter
 Wichita Business Journal