The University of North Dakota (UND) Bookstore will relocate to the Fieldhouse at Memorial Village, with plans to open by early summer 2024. This move aims to enhance accessibility for students, families, and visitors. Karla Mongeon-Stewart, vice president for finance and operations, highlighted that the current bookstore location, situated north of campus near the Ralph Engelstad Arena, has limited foot traffic and visibility, affecting its overall sales.
The decision to relocate has been under consideration for some time, given that the existing space has proven to be less than ideal for attracting customers. “It’s not on the beaten path and it’s a little bit north of campus,” Mongeon-Stewart noted, emphasizing that the new location will place the bookstore in the heart of campus. This change is expected to improve exposure for those seeking UND merchandise and supplies.
New Opportunities for Academic Departments
The current bookstore building will be repurposed for the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Mongeon-Stewart explained that the department requires expansive, open spaces conducive to advanced learning and teaching. “This space is going to provide ideal room for them to teach and learn in an effective way,” she stated.
As the bookstore prepares for its move in late May, Follett, UND’s partner for bookstore services, will transform the Fieldhouse space into a Follett store. This transition aligns with national trends shifting towards online class materials and book rentals, which have rendered the existing bookstore space excessive for current needs.
The relocation of the bookstore is part of broader changes occurring on campus, particularly as various departments and offices are vacating Columbia Hall, which is scheduled for demolition. In addition to the bookstore, renovations in Twamely Hall will create new office suites for Dean Brad Rundquist of the College of Arts and Sciences and his team. Similarly, Gamble Hall is undergoing updates to accommodate psychology, communication sciences and disorders, and the Northern Prairie Community Clinic.
Construction Updates and Future Developments
The campus will also see the first phase of a new STEM Complex commencing this spring, following the demolition of the Hyslop Sports Center in the fall. Brian Larson, director of construction management, provided updates during a virtual faculty and staff town hall on January 15, 2024. He noted that increased truck traffic will accompany the construction, particularly around Cornell Street and Second Avenue North, requiring attention from the campus community.
Additional construction efforts include roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, and improvements to classroom facilities. The replacement of Fox Memorial Bridge and the reconstruction of a section of West Centennial Road are also on the agenda. Furthermore, an underpass project at the intersection of 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue will affect traffic flow significantly, with construction expected to start shortly after the spring commencement. Larson anticipates a two-year closure of 42nd Street south of James Ray Drive, causing disruptions, but allowing east-west traffic on DeMers Avenue.
As the university undertakes these substantial improvements, the closure of the Ray Richards Golf Course during construction will also be noted. These changes reflect UND’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and providing a better environment for both students and faculty.
