By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

After only 10 weeks since announcing a new Hays location, Harbor Freight construction is progressing at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, as the retailer prepares to open in Hays on July 31.

Construction is expected to be completed by July 15, giving the retailer time to install interior fixtures and place merchandise, according to James Younger, BCC property manager.

“These guys do not mess around,” he said, adding they arrived to get a jump-start on construction working in empty locations on the property three days earlier than anticipated.

Harbor Freight is also currently accepting applications for employment, which can be found at harborfreightjobs.com.

Younger said they expected to hire 18 people for the store.

While Harbor Freight construction continues, the new bathrooms for the facility are in progress as well.

“We are estimating the end of June or the first part of July for the restrooms to be open,” Younger said, noting they are cautiously optimistic about that time frame.

“Any time you take on a significant amount of construction on your property, there is always small foibles or shipping delays, things of that nature,” Younger said.

Despite the hassles of construction, Younger glad the shopping center is seeing continued development.

“We are definitely excited about that, updating our facilities for our customers is a big deal,” Younger