Beginning May 23, the Olson Campus Center will be undergoing a major renovation. During that time, the bookstore and Augsburg Fortress, located in the basement of the OCC, will temporarily move.
“We will be trying to operate as close to normal as possible from the building that formerly housed Seraphim and Luther Productions,” says Terry Boehlke, manager of the bookstore.
That building is located at 1568 Eustis St., between the missionary apartments and the Sandgren/Burntvedt apartments. Construction is expected to be completed by early September, in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year.
During the construction, the outer bookstore wall will be torn down. The move prompted Roberta Shaw, office coordinator for the bookstore, to have a little fun before the demolition began. Starting on Feb. 1, she asked members of the Luther Seminary community to leave messages or their signatures on the wall.
“This seemed like a fun way for our customers to participate in the whole remodeling project,” says Shaw. “We look at (the wall) and see a representation of all the various folks who come through our store, including students, alumni, staff, faculty, lay and ordained folks from all denominations and from all over the country.”
There is plenty of wall space left to be filled, so Boehlke and Shaw are hoping that members of the surrounding community will continue to take part. There are also a number of books on sale for just $1.99 as the staff reduces inventory prior to the move.
While in its temporary location, the bookstore will continue its mail-order business as well. For more information, visit the bookstore online.
Motivated by the desire to create a warm, welcoming and hospitable environment on campus, this will be Luther Seminary’s first major construction project since 1984, when the OCC was originally built. Along with offering better community gathering spaces, an additional lecture hall will be provided, pending maintenance upgrades will be completed and improved accessibility options will be furnished.
In addition to the bookstore, the Master of Sacred Music department will also be temporarily relocated. During the summer, chapel will be held in the Chapel of the Cross in Northwestern Hall. The dining room will remain open throughout the summer for normal operation and will only be closed a few days for its own renovation.