The new HomeBase Home Improvement Warehouse in Orem recently celebrated its grand opening--and a successful grand opening it was, said Henry Lucke, general manager. "It was very, very successful--more successful than any other HomeBase store." Because of the competition in this area, a good turnout was expected.

Prior to the grand opening, there was a lot of pressure on both his staff and the construction staff of Arnell-West, Henry explained. "However, the construction was very well done--especially for the amount of work necessary to be completed in such a short time frame," Henry stated.

Construction began in October with only a few short weeks before a record-breaking winter hit. The store then opened for business on March 11.

Utah saw its snowiest November ever recorded this past fall. "The weather made it difficult for all involved," said Ernie Steffensen, superintendent. Workers had to shovel snow off the roof as well as plow it off the concrete slab, thus eliminating useful hours out of the day. But, despite the cold days and other unanticipated setbacks, the store was finished by the target opening date.

HomeBase is a 130,000 square-foot building consisting of tilt-up concrete panels and a steel-framed roof. Included in this building is a covered garden and nursery area as well as an attached 20,000 square-foot greenhouse.