A new chapter for the old Downtown Nebraska Bookstore
Posted by: Kelsey Murphy
kmurphy@klkntv.com
Around this time last year, the Nebraska Bookstore, located downtown, was full of students. Ones shuffling in and out trying to snag the best deal on pricey textbooks.
"Sometimes the Union Bookstore does not have all the options that Nebo has so we often go there,” says Alex Tapia, UNL student.
Now, the doors are closed. It's an empty space waiting to be filled.
The University of Nebraska Lincoln wants a national clothing retailer to move in, hoping to fill it with merchandise appealing to the student population.
Shopping can be difficult for some students restricted to campus.
"Well I don't have a car so that would be awesome if I could walk over and get stuff," says Erica Burgess, UNL student.
The University said in a statement; There is a strong student market for a national retailer adjacent to campus. It’s beneficial to consider how the private– public use of the site can benefit the entire community," says Christine Jackson, the University’s Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance.
Some students are upset with the change. They think the space could be put to better use.
"How about a grocery store, there is no grocery store downtown, and I know everybody who lives downtown wonders where they are supposed to get food at," says Emma Thomas, UNL student.
Other students are finding the change in bookstores a difficult adjustment. One architecture student wants to bring the books back. What he used to be able to buy downtown he can't find in the campus bookstore.
"Wood, a chip board, and other art supplies like that," says Alex Tapia, UNL student.
They’re not all upset.
Some girls already know what store they want moving in.
"oh Forever 21! No American Eagle!,” says Erica Burgess, Kourtney Abbott, UNL students.
The retail store to call 13th and Q its new home is not set in stone. UNL is seeking proposals from potential developers.
Its preference is for a retail clothing and or shoe store, but will accept alternative proposals. Those proposals are due from private developers on September 14th.
The space is expected to be completed and open for business in 2016.
