Einstein Bros. Bagels may relocate to the former Colonial Computers space to reduce overcrowding and heating and ventilation problems in its current location in the lower level of the Marvin Center.
The University plans to make the switch by next fall and officials hope to start construction as soon as they receive a “feasibility report” detailing heating and ventilation restrictions on the space.
Although the Marvin Center may welcome an expanded Provisions or an “upscale sandwich shop,” among other options, students will most likely see a larger bagel shop in the former Colonial Computers, officials said.
“Einstein’s wants to provide a better and faster service, as well as a seating area,” said Michael Brown, associate director of Marvin Center operations.
If Einstein’s makes the move, its replacement will most likely be a venue that does not cause as much traffic or have the same type of heating demands as Einstein’s. A gourmet sandwich shop may be well-suited for the space because it does not require the heating Einstein’s needs to bake bagels, officials said.
The Architecture, Engineering and Construction Department’s report, which details heating and ventilation for the Colonial Computers and post office spaces, should come out by the middle of the semester.
“If the report supports the idea of Einstein’s Bagels moving to the Colonial Computers space, the move will probably happen,” said Michael Peller, managing director of business services.
The lower level of the Marvin Center has been plagued by high temperatures because extra equipment and refrigeration units accompany the food venues. Brown said it has been hard to fix the problems because the heating system was built into the space.
High temperatures at Ben and Jerry’s resulted in melting ice cream on several occasions, Peller said. Extra ventilation units are set to arrive at Ben and Jerry’s within the next few weeks.
Because of the heating and ventilation limitations, venues with grills, are not possible.
Some students said they hope a larger shop would alleviate current space constraints.
“It’s terrible in the morning,” junior Kevin Levinsky said. “The line wraps all the way past Ben and Jerry’s.”
Officials are also taking future dining venues across campus into consideration when considering to the Colonial Computers and post office spaces.
Peter Konwerski, executive director of the Marvin Center, said the University is working to give students a variety of food choices across campus to prevent overcrowding in one area. He noted the possibilities of food venues in the Health and Wellness Center and the “Superdorm,” which is set to open in fall 2004 across from the HWC.
GW also has tentative plans to renovate J Street in 2005 that will affect the University’s construction and food choice plans, said Joe Pasterkewitz, director of dining services. No further details are available at this time on the renovations.
The University decided to replace Colonial Computers and the post office on the Marvin Center ground floor e
