VCU’s convenient library caffeine pit stop is closed, but in the meantime artists have the opportunity to enhance the new look of Starbucks.
JAVA 901, the coffee bar formerly located in the first floor of the James Branch Cabell Library, closed its doors in December. Renovations are underway to make room for a Starbucks to open.
VCU Dining Services is seeking to commission interested artists to create permanent artwork for the new coffee store. The artwork is due for review Wednesday, Jan. 31. The chosen artwork is scheduled to be installed July 30.
Construction began last month and is set to be completed in February, with a grand opening scheduled for March 20, said Jean Clark, VCU Dining Services manager.
Starbucks will be an independent operation under the umbrella of dining services. While JAVA 901 previously served the Starbucks brand, it was not a fully licensed Starbucks location.
The Department of Business Services described the decision as a way to give students more Starbucks products to choose.
“The upgrade from a ‘We Proudly Brew’ Starbucks coffee to a Starbucks store was to offer our students the complete line of Starbucks coffees, the seasonal coffee-flavored blends, merchandise and the Frappuccino hot coffees,” Clark said.
Also gone are the computers housed in JAVA 901. The computers were relocated within the library for the renovations, Clark said.
Computer access might return once the Starbucks is finished.
“We will probably set up stand-up terminals on the perimeter,” said Beth Burton, circulation manager.
Signs currently redirect potential customers to other Dining Services locations such as Alpine Bagel Bakery in the University Student Commons.