There are some major changes coming to Camp Murray's Building 16, and the month long renovations currently underway are a sign of what's to come in the future for servicemembers who frequent any of the three organizations that are housed there.

American Lake Credit Union (ALCU), Vic's Espresso and Eats, and the National Guard Association of Washington (NGAW) have formulated a new design layout for the building that will incorporate new services and accommodations for people to utilize at their convenience.

Nothing says "convenience" like a drive-thru, and since Vic's and ALCU are swapping places within the building, the old drive-up will now be used for quicker food distribution instead of fast cash transactions.

"It is an amazing opportunity to expand our business to the community around us. We will be adding the drive-thru option and common area seating space, so that people will be able to come and relax and enjoy themselves," said Vic's owner Pamela Rupers.

"We will be able to provide more of what we do, especially with the prospect of additional menu items," she added. Vic's is currently the only business to sell food on Camp Murray, and the expansion will allow employees the freedom to broaden their menu and services to hungry (and thirsty) patrons.

The NGAW will reap the benefits of the remodel as well, with an increase in office space that will allow them to designate functions and tasks of employees to allow efficiency in all aspects of the organization.

"NGAW business operations has had two people working in a space designed for one, with both having different duties and responsibilities. The additional space is going to allow us to separate our functions and allow us to better service our members of the association as well as our campground customers," said Robert Sweeney, the executive director of the NGAW.

Although ALCU will now have a smaller footprint within the space, there will be an addition of services in the form of a deposit-accepting ATM and computer kiosk that can be used for loan applications and home banking.

"The changes we are making as an institution will allow us to be more efficient. It will provide us with the opportunity to invest in the best and newest technology, and new products and services that we offer our members," said ALCU President/CEO Kolin McMann. "It will also refresh the branch from the 80's vibe it currently has going on," he added jokingly.

Since the Camp Murray branch of ALCU was established in the late 80s, the renovation will modernize and update the space. This means a farewell to teal countertops and fuchsia carpets, much to the delight of all three businesses.

Renovations of the branch are expected to be completed by mid-January, with both Vic's and the NGAW remaining open to the public while they are underway. Each business greatly anticipates the grand re-opening, and what the changes will mean for soldiers in need of food, support and financial assistance.