Construction continues on the new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World retail store in Rossford, Ohio, located at the intersection of the nation’s longest north/south interstate — Interstate 75 — and east/west interstate — the Ohio Turnpike 80/90.

The development, Crossroads of America, is being touted by retail experts to become one of Ohio’s largest retail/tourist destinations with a projection of more than 6 million visitors per year.

The official grand opening for the 150,000 sq.-ft. (13,900 sq m) store is scheduled for July 3 to 6, preceded by a special “Evening for Conservation,” that is free and open to the public July 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.

To date, approximately 4,563 cu. yd. (3,489 cu m) of concrete have been poured, 322 tons (292 t) of structural steel have been erected and 7,500 pieces of sheetrock installed according to Project Manager Bill Stidham.

“Construction is really moving fast and furious now,” said Stidham. “You can definitely see a difference from one day to the next.”

Currently, anywhere between two to 15 crews consisting of 100 or so people are on the job site every day.

“Right now, we are doing ’faux’ finishing throughout the store,” said Stidham. “We are installing carpet, laying down wood flooring, hanging retail fixtures and putting signage on the building’s interior.”

Other construction features include exterior work such as placing sidewalks, doing landscaping, painting and staining the building, installing gutters and site lighting and hanging exterior signs.

A focal showpiece will be the 20,000 gal. freshwater aquarium featuring numerous waterfalls and displaying colorful native fish.

Glass-paneled elevators will move visitors from floor to floor allowing them full store views. Hand-painted murals depicting local scenes as well as museum-quality wildlife exhibits and dioramas will be located throughout the store.

Other special store features include a 30-yd. live fire archery range, a laser arcade, and a general store with a deli sandwich shop, ice cream and fudge.

A job fair was held recently with more than 3,000 people applying for approximately 300 full and part time positions.

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