University Bookstore gets new look

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

The University Bookstore is trading its institutional look for an updated one that will include a fireplace area.

Customers can get an idea of what the finished product will look like by checking out the newly remodeled lower level, which opened earlier this month.

"A visit says a thousand words," manager John Leonard quipped.

The look is similar to that of the major bookstore Barnes and Noble. Cherry wood accents the display cases holding the textbooks and general reading books. Columns, covered in maple and cherry wood, are found throughout the level.

Renovations to the upper level will start after Labor Day, and should be completed by Dec. 1.

While the remodeling continues, the supplies, clothing, cards and other items normally sold on the first level will be relocated to the Kansas Room. Bookstore staff will move into their new, permanent offices on the lower-level floor.

While the upper level is remodeled, customers will need to use an outdoor stairwell in the southwest corner of the Rhatigan Student Center to reach the lower level.

Once completed, the upper level will contain various specialty areas, including a children’s area, new release books and best sellers, many WuShock items and a small fireplace area.

With the new configurations of the two levels and different displays, the store will be able to increase its retail space without expanding its physical space of 20,000 square feet, said Leonard.

This is the bookstore’s first major renovation in its 30-year history. The $970,000 project is being financed by RSC reserve funds.