Computer lab added to Margaret Nance; empty Java City may house ice cream shop
Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 8:54AM By Monica Kreber
kreberm@thejohnsonian.com
Starbucks in the new campus center replaced Java City, and a computer lab has been added to Margaret Nance.
The new lab consists of eight computers in the former lounge area on the first floor, said Frank Ardiaolo, vice president for student life.
“The computer center was placed in Margaret Nance because the one in Phelps had to be closed because of that hall’s renovation,” he said.
Space on the first floor now consists of the lab and an empty former coffee shop.
“We eliminated Java City in lieu of the bigger and better Starbucks opening in the campus center just a few hundred feet from it,” Ardaiolo said.
Freshman early childhood education major Lisa Merrill, who lives in Margaret Nance, said she has not found a need to use the residence hall’s new computer center yet.
“I have my own laptop in my room,” she said, “I have not used it [the lab] yet but I am sure it is great. I might use it if my computer crashes.”
Freshman pre-major Teeshia Barr said she likes having the lab in her residence hall.
“It’s nice for Margaret Nance [residents], but it’s a far walk for everyone else,” she said.
Bar also said she likes that it’s a 24-hour lab.
“It’s open late enough for responsible students,” she said.
Although the computer lab takes up the entire lounge room on the first floor, the room where Java City used to be is still vacant.
Junior psychology major Laurie Gueits, another Margaret Nance resident, said without Java City there seems to be too much additional space on the first floor.
“We already have a lot of lounges in Margaret Nance because it is a big building,” she said.
The absence of Java City has only made too much space, Gueits said, but she likes having Starbucks in the new campus center even better.
“I loved Java City,” she said, “but Starbucks is awesome, so I don’t miss it. Margaret Nance is right across from the student center, so I don’t mind the walk.”
Though there are many ideas as to what the old coffee shop will become, Rebecca Masters, assistant to the president for public affairs, said an old-fashioned ice cream shop may be in the works.
