Recognizing a change in the shopping habits of military personnel and their families, the U.S. Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, is testing a new lifestyle retail concept at a select number of U.S. bases. The new lifestyle centers will replace traditional stand-alone Base Exchange (BX). Alexander Architects in association with Mortenson Construction and Madison Realty Partners is designing a new 514,000 square foot lifestyle center tentatively called “Freedom Crossings.” The center features two anchor retailers, restaurants, a movie theater, in-line retailers and more. The goal is to improve the on-base experience and quality of life for enlisted personnel, their dependents and retirees. The $80 million center is designed to be LEED Silver certified and is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2012.