by Andie Diemer
Sept. 10, 2008

The Zone may soon be serving up more than SubLive, open mic and exam jam nights. In the latest move to makeover Moseley Center, the administration is considering constructing a Starbucks where The Zone is currently located.

Director of Auxiliary Services Vickie Somers said they are in the process of working with Starbucks, which has a very specific process to follow.

“We have met with their representatives so they could evaluate the space and they think a Starbucks would work well in the space,” she said.

The next steps require the university to provide information about the electrical, plumbing and mechanical setup of the room. Electronic drawings prepared by an architect that detail the space, called CAD drawings, have also been submitted.

“Starbucks will study these drawings and submit planning documents to Elon along with a cost to proceed with the project,” Somers said. “It is at this stage that Elon will decide whether or not to proceed with the project.”
If Elon approves the project it will take between 22 and 24 weeks to follow the design to completion.

“From information received from students in focus groups we were told a coffee shop in this location will be well received,” Somers said. “Starbucks is a well-known brand among our students but, if the cost is prohibitive, we will certainly consider other vendors.”

As with all new projects in dining services, sustainability is always taken highly into consideration, Somers said.