The University is attempting to create a one-stop shop with its under-construction bookstore, according to Paul Stevenson, University bookstore general manager.
The 50,000-square-foot bookstore currently being built on the corner of Highland and Raphael Semmes roads will dwarf the current one, which stands at 28,000 square feet. The new facility will be one of the largest college bookstores, Stevenson said.
“Although it is not complete, someone can simply walk through the bookstore and immediately tell the difference between the Union bookstore and this one [on Highland Road],” Stevenson said. “It is a little less than twice the size of the current store. The store is similar in size to Georgia Tech and Ohio State’s bookstore.”
Construction will be complete by December, Stevenson said.
Each Barnes & Noble bookstore is tailored to its specific location. Stevenson said the new bookstore will feature architecture iconic to the University, specifically the broad arches on many of the buildings in the Quad.
The most prominent part of the new edifice is a large tower connecting a 700-parking-space garage to the bookstore. After climbing several flights of stairs or taking an elevator to the top of the tower, students will see the entire landscape surrounding the University’s campus.
Bookstore Assistant Manager Whit Green believes the list of features will be more impressive than the bookstore’s sheer size.
One of the most significant additions will be a technology store. The store will offer repair services for computers as well as sell merchandise. Rumors have been circulating that an Apple Store will be included in the new bookstore. Apple representatives confirmed the company is working to bring a store to campus but didn’t elaborate on the plans.
“We want students to be able to come to the bookstore and purchase everything they need for school, including technological needs,” Stevenson said.
Students may also be able to witness aviation in the bookstore. Stevenson said officials are considering hanging an airplane shell from the bookstore’s ceiling.
Jason Tolliver, director of University Auxilary Services, declined to comment on the issue, but he did say he is “working on something big” for the bookstore.
The bookstore will also feature a cafe “proudly serving Starbucks coffee.” The term “proudly serving” is included in the title because the cafe will not be officially licensed, Stevenson said.
The Starbucks cafe will have a 100-person indoor and outdoor seating capacity and will be located on the opposite side of the bookstore from the technology store.
“It is hard to grasp the size of the new store until you are actually able to walk around in it,” said Stevenson. “Although we have all of these cool new features, the thing we are really trying to accomplish is to build a community that people genuinely want to hang out in. We would like to be able to host musicians and gameday events as well as other programs with our 40-person seating area.”
Tolliver echoed Stevenson’s hopes to create a community as a part of his Union Square idea.
“I envision the Union Square as an area where students will want to hang out,” Tolliver said. “The bookstore will certainly be a vital part of the Union Square.”
 
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Contact Joshua Bergeron at [email protected]