The university's bookstore was previously located in the student union building, which is now being rebuilt as a new campus center. In the meantime, the bookstore is in a temporary location on Penn Street.
The new bookstore would have about 10,000 square feet and primarily function as a university store with textbooks but will also include books for the larger community, and likely a cafe section, said Hill. The project is several years from completion.
Deputy Mayor Andrew Frank said the university's expansion "is the strength that makes the west-side transformation possible."
"We view the opportunity for a community bookstore in the heart of a thriving university district as important to the west side today as the Hippodrome and Centerpoint were just a few years back," Frank said. "Building a retail Barnes & Noble represents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transformation of the neighborhood that surrounds UMB's campus."
Downtown boosters agree.
"Overnight, a university bookstore will transform that area into a college town," said Kirby Fowler, president of the Downtown Partnership. "That block is just a little inactive right now," he said. "The additional activity on the street will multiply right before our eyes."
Fowler said there are also plans to transform the south side of the block, owned by the same developers, into a mixed-use complex with residential units, retail businesses, and possibly offices.
A&R and Brown Enterprises could not be reached for comment.
The owner of Samuelson's Diamonds, the jewelry/pawn shop on the block, said he was unaware of discussions regarding that site and had no comment.
Next door at New Civic, a carryout restaurant with a small dining section, owner Kyong Choe said she had heard talk of a bookstore and is worried about her eatery's future. "I like it here; I've got a lot of regular customers," said Choe, 57, who has run the restaurant for the past 19 years.
Still, Choe said, she's noticed the changes and understands that the city is trying to develop a more upscale area. She just hopes she doesn't get lost in the dust.
"If they all plan, then they should help me with moving," she said. "I was planning for retirement."
Charles Michie, 44, manager of Millennium Cutz 2000, also worries about where he would go. "I would have no problem leaving as long as I stay downtown," said Michie. "All my clients are down here."
