The University of Arizona is set to undergo a transformation this summer as it launches into an extensive series of campus renovations. 

With over 30 projects lined up, the university is in need of breathing new life into its infrastructure, reinforcing security and elevating the overall student experience. 

Chris Kopach, associate vice president of Facilities Management, said  projects vary from the high-priority of installing a new roof on the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies building to simple jobs including enhancing the flowers for the summer months.  

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the university is prioritizing security enhancements by implementing keyless access systems in 18 additional buildings on campus. Currently, the campus has about 85% keyless access to buildings; with these next 18, the campus will almost be complete. 

This project reflects the university’s commitment to modernizing campus security and improving access control measures to better ensure student, staff and faculty safety, according to Kopach. 

One of the big tasks this summer will involve closing the main bookstore for the summer, said Peter Neff, executive director of the University of Arizona Bookstores. The first and second floors will be remodeled  beginning May 13, but Neff said the work “will be completed before the students move in for the fall term.” 

For students remaining on campus over the summer, “we will be operating a temporary location across from Cork and Craft restaurant,” Neff said.

“It will be open during our normal summer hours (and) textbook distribution will be from our administrative offices on the third floor of the bookstore,” he said, adding that they will have signs directing people where to go.  

Part of that work at the bookstore includes expanding event space to accommodate larger gatherings and student-centered events.

“In our expanded technology area, we will have Alienware computers. Also, Apple has authorized us to become a repair center for Apple phones,” Neff said. “We currently repair all Apple computer devices.”

The bookstore also will add a Champion concept shop along with Nike to its months-old Lululemon shop.

“There will be new hat vendors as our main hat partners will now be New Era and 47 Sports,” he said. 

Neff said the final steps of the remodel before the fall semester starts in August will be renaming the bookstore to the University of Arizona Campus Store.

University of Arizona student Kylie Dumas said of all the work being done at the bookstore, she is most excited that the technology center will offer Apple phone repairs. 

“Countless times, both myself and my friends have had phone issues, and had to make the trek up the mountain to La Encantada, the only Apple store in Tucson,” she said. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.