Temple University’s Center City campus introduced a new Barnes & Noble bookstore and Starbucks café, both of which opened gateways to a more diverse crowd and a more beneficial use of space.
“It has opened up that corner of our building, which was pretty much like a dead corner,” said Denise Stevenson, a Temple security guard for Allied Barton. It has really brightened up that area of the building.”
In this common area, not only do students enjoy refreshments and find a place to study, but individuals from around the city can also gather here before continuing on with their routine.
“We get a lot of business people in the morning, and then in the evening there are a lot of night classes,” said Gary Nines, Temple University senior and bookstore attendant.
With a new café and bookstore just downstairs from where classes are held, students can get their work done or grab snacks before classes get started.
“Everyone’s coming in! They’re stopping to get a snack, get their coffee, or get supplies before they go up to their class,” he added.
It is also used as a place to mingle.
“I was actually getting coffee once and I met somebody who lives in my building,” said Terry Hurst, a freshman in the Fox School of Business. “It was cool to find a connection there.”
Originally, Temple’s Center City campus had a bookstore on the third floor of the building. This one did not have the added commodities of many snacks, a modern design or outdoor seating currently on the campus.
“I had classes here and I was a student before it was done,” Nines said. “It’s just kind of a nice added benefit.”
Today, the space is equipped with power outlets and Temple gear; they even take diamond dollars.
“I like it. It’s very Temple. You definitely know that that’s what kind of store you’re in,” Nines said.
Hurst also said the space provides a social atmosphere similar to that of main campus.
“The coffee shop is excellent, because if you have a little bit of time before class or while you’re waiting for the subway, you can just hang out there and be friendly with a bunch of Temple students,” Hurst said. “You kind of feel in your element even though you’re at Center City.”
The expansion of the café and bookstore took over a corner that used to be a computer lab.
“Downtown I can access the bookstore. It’s more convenient now,” said Emmanuel Korlewala, a sophomore media studies and production major.
Stevenson added that it works as a liaison between the outside world and the university because common people now have access to what goes on at Temple.
“We are getting some Temple students as well as the outside population on a daily basis. It’s a business setting now! It’s more open to the public — it’s a good look for Temple.”
The renovated space opened in early 2015.
“It’s a nice place for students to come, relax for a little bit and maybe do a little work, so I think it’s a nice addition,” Nines said.
Written by: Maryvic Perez
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