Ahead of the Curve: EMORY UNIVERSITY: Consolidated library to be a green gateway to school

WHAT IS IT?

Construction is under way on Emory University’s new bookstore and admissions office building.

The three-story structure is being built facing Oxford Road on the former B. Jones parking lot. The bookstore will have a “campus living room” area with lounge seating and a coffee shop, and it will have a community component.

The 58,000-square-foot structure is being constructed by Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. in accordance with LEED green building standards and will include a parking deck topped by a green courtyard.

The exterior walls of the deck are proposed as green walls that will include native vegetation.

WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE?

The project will consolidate three current bookstores into one large bookstore; provide a new home for Emory’s admissions office; and serve as a new front door for those who visit Emory. The bookstore will include selections for general audiences and will be open to the community.

WHEN WILL IT BE FINISHED?

Fall 2009