The University of North Dakota (UND) Bookstore is set to relocate to the Fieldhouse at Memorial Village, with plans to open its new doors in early summer 2024. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility for students, families, and visitors by placing the store closer to the campus core, as noted by Karla Mongeon-Stewart, vice president for finance and operations.
The current location, situated north of the main campus near the Ralph Engelstad Arena, has been described as somewhat isolated. Mongeon-Stewart emphasized that the store’s current position has raised concerns during campus tours and may be contributing to lower sales figures. She expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming move, stating, “We are very excited to move the bookstore right into the campus core.”
In addition to improving accessibility, the relocation reflects broader trends in higher education, particularly the shift toward online learning materials and textbook rentals. Mongeon-Stewart mentioned that the existing bookstore space is significantly larger than necessary given these changes. The building currently housing the bookstore will be repurposed for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, which requires open spaces conducive to teaching and learning.
Logistics of the Move and Campus Developments
The bookstore is scheduled to transition to its new location in late May 2024. The university’s partner for bookstore services, Follett, will assist in transforming the Fieldhouse into a retail space tailored for students and visitors. Mongeon-Stewart highlighted the importance of this move in providing a more visible and convenient shopping experience for those seeking UND merchandise.
The shift of the bookstore is part of a larger initiative to facilitate various department relocations from Columbia Hall, which is slated for demolition. In a recent construction update, Brian Larson, director of construction management, elaborated on the ongoing efforts, including renovations in Twamely Hall to establish new office spaces for Dean Brad Rundquist and his team from the College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, Gamble Hall is undergoing upgrades to accommodate new spaces for psychology and communication sciences programs.
The development of a new STEM Complex is also underway, with construction expected to begin this spring following the demolition of the Hyslop Sports Center last autumn. Larson cautioned that increased truck traffic and congestion in the surrounding areas, particularly on Cornell Street and Second Avenue North, will likely accompany this project, which is projected to take approximately two years. The new facility is expected to open for classes in the autumn of 2028.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
Other campus projects include necessary updates to roofs, HVAC systems, and elevators, as well as various classroom improvements and infrastructure work, such as the replacement of Fox Memorial Bridge and reconstruction of a section of West Centennial Road.
Moreover, a significant underpass project at the intersection of 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue, managed by the city along with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, will begin accepting bids later this winter. Construction is anticipated to start shortly after the spring commencement, with traffic disruptions expected on 42nd Street south of James Ray Drive for a duration of two years. Larson advised that while north-south traffic on DeMers will face interruptions, east-west traffic will continue to flow.
As these developments unfold, the Ray Richards Golf Course will also be temporarily closed during construction, further illustrating the extensive changes occurring in the area.
These initiatives signify a commitment to enhancing the academic environment at UND while also addressing logistical challenges posed by ongoing construction and infrastructure updates. The relocation of the bookstore, in particular, represents a proactive step towards fostering a more community-oriented campus experience.
