Originally set to open summer 2017, the Longwood Barnes and Noble Bookstore, is going to open in October in their new location on Main Street.
The delay is caused by its use of historical tax credits and a desire not to move the bookstore inventory over the summer, according to Waller.
“We did make a decision early on not to move the book store over the summer,” Waller explained. “The bookstore’s peak inventory is in the summer, when they’re receiving all their textbooks.”
The property, owned by Walk2Campus, is leased by Longwood with a goal to bring more students into downtown Farmville, according to Louise Waller, associate vice president for campus planning construction and the real estate foundation.
“The (state) department of historical resources offers incentives for renovation and revitalization of historical buildings,” Waller explained. “In order to make the project work financially, it was dependent on historical tax credits. Working with the department of historic resources to make sure that the design meets their criteria as well as meets the end user’s criteria is always a fun challenge.”
Though the property belongs to Walk2Campus, Longwood was involved due to its interest in the bookstore, according to Waller. Longwood is also ineligible for the historical tax credits.
“Longwood is not the recipient of these because as a state agency we’re not able to receive these,” Waller explained. “Walk2Campus is the owner and developer on this project. So Longwood is just a tenant in that space.”
As for the old location of the bookstore there is talks of turning the space into a grocery store, which would be in walking distance of campus, according to Waller.
“There have been a number of studies done, and actually, I believe, student forums are opening up I believe this week,” said Waller.
In addition to the bookstore, the Upchurch University Center will be complete and in use by next fall, according to Waller.
“The Student Union is going along really well,” Waller noted. “The building will be online and students will be using it and everyone will be moved in definitely this time next year.”
According to her, the building was delayed due to early design challenges and complexities.
“There’s a number of design challenges we worked through,” Waller said. “This building is a one of a kind building and is many ways this is going to be the heart of our campus.”
According to Waller, it’s going to be the third largest building on campus at 79,000 square feet and had to undergo a laborious approvals process before construction began.
In terms of parking, Vine Street parking lot has been paved and a new lot next to it is being created, according to Waller.
“We are in the process of trying to acquire the property right next to the Vine Street (parking) lot,” Waller said. “We’ll be able to expand it either further. We should be able to get the new lot up hopefully in the next couple of weeks.”
The lot’s opening was delayed due to an issue receiving the lighting parts, according to Waller.
The Student Success Center is due to open next semester.
“Brock Hall, which will be our Student Success Center is under construction right now,” Waller said. “We’re anticipating moving into that project Christmas break time.”
Additionally, three projects are being developed at this time, according to Waller. A new admissions building, a new academic building and a Curry and Frazer residence halls renovation are all being planned.
Continue to follow The Rotunda for more updates.