The University of North Dakota (UND) Bookstore will relocate to the Fieldhouse at Memorial Village, with plans to open in early summer. This move aims to enhance accessibility and visibility for students and families, according to Karla Mongeon-Stewart, vice president for finance and operations. The new location, situated across from UND’s parking ramp, is designed to better integrate the bookstore into the campus core.
Currently, the bookstore’s location near the Ralph Engelstad Arena has been criticized for being too far from main campus thoroughfares. Mongeon-Stewart noted that the existing site poses challenges for accessibility, stating, “It’s not on the beaten path and it’s a little bit north of campus.” This shift is expected to increase foot traffic and sales, which have been impacted by its current, less central position.
The move follows ongoing discussions about relocating the bookstore, particularly in light of national trends towards online class materials and increased book rentals. Mongeon-Stewart indicated that the current bookstore space is significantly oversized relative to demand, which further justifies the relocation. The building that currently houses the bookstore will be repurposed for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, creating an environment conducive to their educational needs.
Renovations and Future Developments
The transition to the Fieldhouse is scheduled for late May, with Follett, UND’s partner for bookstore services, tasked with transforming the new space into a dedicated retail environment. As the bookstore relocates, the former site will be adapted to provide wide-open spaces necessary for the biomedical engineering program, enhancing teaching and learning capabilities.
The bookstore move is part of a larger strategy to vacate Columbia Hall, which is expected to be demolished. Other departments are also relocating as part of this initiative, with renovations underway at Twamely Hall to accommodate the office suite of Dean Brad Rundquist from the College of Arts and Sciences. Similarly, updates are being made in Gamble Hall to create new facilities for psychology, communication sciences, and the Northern Prairie Community Clinic.
In addition to these changes, the first phase of a new STEM Complex will commence this spring, following the demolition of the Hyslop Sports Center. This construction will inevitably lead to increased truck traffic and congestion, particularly on Cornell Street and Second Avenue North.
Impact on Campus and Surrounding Areas
As construction activities ramp up, Brian Larson, director of construction management, emphasized the importance of planning for potential disruptions. He warned that 42nd Street will be closed south of James Ray Drive for two years, while traffic patterns on DeMers Avenue will also be affected. The city, in collaboration with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, is managing an underpass project at the intersection of 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue, which is set to begin shortly after spring commencement.
This busy period will necessitate finding alternative routes for those traveling to and from campus. The Ray Richards Golf Course will also be closed during the construction phase, adding to the changes in the area.
With these developments, UND is taking significant steps towards enhancing its facilities and services, aligning with modern educational trends and improving accessibility for its community. The relocation of the bookstore and the ongoing renovations signal a proactive approach to meeting the needs of students and faculty alike.
