MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Cherry Point's Marine Corps Community Services finished renovations to the Roadhouse here, July 24 bringing a completely new atmosphere for its residents.
The goal of the Roadhouse's new look is to provide a more familiar and comfortable place where junior Marines and Sailors can kick back, relax and enjoy themselves.
Some of the many changes include a 12 by 9 foot high definition video screen wall, two new pool tables, ping-pong, foosball, and air-hockey tables. All the old TVs were replaced with more than 10 new 1080p HD TVs and a new study area and theater room with an 80-inch-screen TV.
Largent focused the renovations based on what Marines and Sailors recommended.
"We talked to young Marines ages 20-25," said Largent. "The feedback we received was they wanted a vintage industrial loft environment."
In October, MCCS went to work with everything the Marines and Sailors suggested. The Roadhouse received an all-new paint job, new flooring and brand new equipment.
Previous renovations completed in 2008 were not made to withstand the day-to-day wear-and-tear of Marines, said Mike Largent, MCCS chief executive officer. One of the focuses of the recent renovation was to use much more durable materials.
"From the floor up to the ceiling it’s a completely new look," said Kristin Reid, a manager for the Roadhouse. "We replaced the furniture with steel and reclaimed wood that will last."
Not only was the structure remodeled, the bar's menu and selection were improved to provide better quality.
The goal is to have a place on the base that looks, sounds and even tastes like a place in a young Marine hometown where he would want to hang out, said Largent.
"We want to provide a laid-back atmosphere especially for the younger Marines and Sailors living in the barracks and local area who can walk in and hang out without feeling any pressure," said Reid.