University making room for more retail on campus
By: Marshall Fleming
Issue date: 8/10/07 Section: News
Originally published: 8/10/07 at 3:46 AM EST
Last update: 8/10/07 at 3:45 AM EST
Originally published: 8/10/07 at 3:46 AM EST
Last update: 8/10/07 at 3:45 AM EST
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With many construction projects looming on the horizon as part of the University's 'master plan,' students may be wondering what kind of business, if any, will be coming to the main campus.
With the current retail and food options on and around campus limited, many students have to travel several blocks off campus to get what they need.
"One of the best points I've heard most from students is that they can't buy a toothbrush anywhere on campus," said USGA president Jeff Gardosh.
With the retail that is set to come to campus, students will finally be able to buy everything from groceries to art supplies, without having to take a hike to 40th Street or Center City. Businesses including the likes of Trader Joe's and Dunkin' Donuts are all on the table as strong possibilities and their arrival will be in conjunction with new construction, the most notable being the 43-story skyscraper and additions to the front of MacAlister hall and the Creese Student Center, bringing them out to the Chestnut Street sidewalk.
"You have got the new hotel and conference center going up and there's going to be retail there," said Rita LaRue, Senior Associate Vice President for Business Operations. "I know that the senior vice president, Jim Tucker, is looking at the best use of the garage building where Facilities Management is, and maybe expanding a little bit there. A Market and 34 Street presence would be terrific."
The plans also include options to expand the bookstore in MacAlister.
"Barnes and Noble's got it, [the space in front of MacAlister]," said LaRue. "They're looking at it. They've got CAD drawings of the space, and they are absolutely looking to expand."
Other changes to the retail landscape on campus include University-affiliated options.
"Some of it is affiliated through our licensing agreement with our food service provider," said LaRue. "For instance, in [Ross Commons], we might bring a second Starbucks location. And we're also looking at replacing The Grill with a "Fresh Mex" brand. So for food service we have a lot going on there. We're looking at food services in the library [as well]."
With the current retail and food options on and around campus limited, many students have to travel several blocks off campus to get what they need.
"One of the best points I've heard most from students is that they can't buy a toothbrush anywhere on campus," said USGA president Jeff Gardosh.
With the retail that is set to come to campus, students will finally be able to buy everything from groceries to art supplies, without having to take a hike to 40th Street or Center City. Businesses including the likes of Trader Joe's and Dunkin' Donuts are all on the table as strong possibilities and their arrival will be in conjunction with new construction, the most notable being the 43-story skyscraper and additions to the front of MacAlister hall and the Creese Student Center, bringing them out to the Chestnut Street sidewalk.
"You have got the new hotel and conference center going up and there's going to be retail there," said Rita LaRue, Senior Associate Vice President for Business Operations. "I know that the senior vice president, Jim Tucker, is looking at the best use of the garage building where Facilities Management is, and maybe expanding a little bit there. A Market and 34 Street presence would be terrific."
The plans also include options to expand the bookstore in MacAlister.
"Barnes and Noble's got it, [the space in front of MacAlister]," said LaRue. "They're looking at it. They've got CAD drawings of the space, and they are absolutely looking to expand."
Other changes to the retail landscape on campus include University-affiliated options.
"Some of it is affiliated through our licensing agreement with our food service provider," said LaRue. "For instance, in [Ross Commons], we might bring a second Starbucks location. And we're also looking at replacing The Grill with a "Fresh Mex" brand. So for food service we have a lot going on there. We're looking at food services in the library [as well]."
