The University of Texas at Arlington Bookstore has unveiled its new Starbucks, marking the first phase of a multimillion-dollar renovation.
The Sept. 17 grand opening featured remarks by Vistasp M. Karbhari, university president; Bob Scholl, senior vice president for retail operations with UTA Bookstore operator Follett Higher Education Group; and Emmalie Moe, UTA Student Congress president, among others.
“Starbucks is only the initial phase, but a very important piece of the project,” said John Hall, UT Arlington vice president for administration and campus operations.
“Our goal is to create a university and community bookstore, one that attracts the campus population as well as the off-campus population and is a true showcase benefiting our students, faculty, staff and our neighbors,” Hall said.
Hall described Follett Higher Education Group as an excellent partner and noted previous investments the bookstore operator has made in the university, including support for the student athlete academic center at College Park Center, the student leadership center and study abroad programs.
In the second phase of the renovation, the 400 Spaniolo Drive facility will transform into a showcase store with a refreshed layout, second-floor loft area, enhanced natural lighting, expanded retail selections and a prominent technology department with repair services.
Bookstore renovation updates are available at the store’s website www.uta-shop.com. The bookstore will remain open throughout the second phase of the renovation.