In a first for grocery chain Fred Meyer, its oldest Portland location had an $11.4-million remodeling while the store was unoccupied.
The 1950s building had three earlier expansions or remodelings. After coming in second in two open-bid competitions for the latest overhaul with proposals above Fred Meyer's budget, Seattle-based J.R. Abbott Construction suggested an unoccupied remodel, saying that would cut costs on phasing the work while the store was open. Kroger-owned Fred Meyer agreed to that type of renovation and Abbott committed to a three-month store closure for construction and one month for merchandising.