Behind the Build: Cooler Vault for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in St. Augustine


This past month, one of our hardworking crews rolled up their sleeves in historic St. Augustine, Florida, taking on an exciting project for the newest ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store. Building a cooler vault from the ground up is no small feat, but our team tackled it with skill, grit, and a whole lot of teamwork.

On-Site and On Point

The mission was clear: construct a reliable, high-performance walk-in cooler to support ABC's extensive inventory of fine wines, spirits, and specialty beverages. Our team built the vault-style walk-in cooler complete with rooftop-mounted condenser units, ceiling-mounted evaporators, and a refrigeration rack system to tie it all together. This isn’t just a cooler it’s a precision-engineered cold storage solution.

Setting the Foundation

Our crew began with framing and prepping the insulated panels that form the walls and ceiling of the cooler vault. These panels are essential for maintaining internal temperatures, and each one was installed with care to ensure a snug, energy-efficient fit. The insulated entry doors were aligned and sealed, forming the gateway to what will become a temperature-controlled haven for fine wines and liquors.

In addition to the main entry, we installed a full door line to provide easy, ergonomic access to the reach-in sections. These doors offer visibility and quick access for customers, streamlining service during busy hours.

Rooftop Action

Installing the rooftop condenser was a highlight of the day—literally. Our technicians made their way up with the unit and securely mounted it in place. This powerhouse component is responsible for releasing heat pulled from inside the cooler, keeping the internal environment crisp and steady.

Inside the Vault

Inside, we installed a ceiling-mounted evaporator to cool the air within the space. This unit quietly circulates chilled air, ensuring even temperature distribution throughout. Running refrigerant lines between the condenser and the evaporator was a meticulous process, but our crew executed it with precision.

We also outfitted the cooler interior with durable, high-capacity reach-in shelving. Designed for both strength and accessibility, these shelves will house a wide variety of products while making the most of every cubic foot of space.

Brains Behind the Chill

Every component of this system connects to a centralized refrigeration rack—the control hub for the entire operation. The rack manages temperature settings, refrigerant flow, and system diagnostics, keeping everything operating at peak performance. For a high-traffic retail environment like ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, that kind of control is crucial.

A Toast to the Team

We couldn’t be prouder of our crew in St. Augustine. Each team member brought their A-game, contributing to a build that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Their dedication, craftsmanship, and camaraderie turned a complex project into a streamlined success.

We’re thrilled to support the opening of another ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store and look forward to seeing it thrive.

Check out more of our work at www.jade.co and stay tuned for more behind-the-build recaps!

Here’s to keeping things cool—one vault at a time!

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