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Gothic Bookshop to Temporarily Close for Renovations

Bookshop in Bryan Center to close for several months in 2013

This is an architectural rendering of the shared entrance and cash register space for the University Store, Gothic Bookshop and Lobby Shop in the Bryan Center.
This is an architectural rendering of the shared entrance and cash register space for the University Store, Gothic Bookshop and Lobby Shop in the Bryan Center.
By Marsha A. Green

The Gothic Bookshop, Duke's independent bookstore, will close for several months in early 2013 for renovations. 

A date for the closing is being determined, but Duke officials expect renovations to begin during winter break, which is Dec. 17 to Jan. 7, or shortly after break ends. Renovations will continue four to seven months.

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"The Gothic is a treasured part of Duke, and will return after the renovation as an even stronger contributor to the culture on West Campus," said Tim Walsh, vice president for finance at Duke.

While the Gothic is closed for shopping and browsing, customers can continue to special order books by emailing the Gothic Bookshop. The Gothic will continue to host activities such as book signings and book clubs in other campus locations. Staff from the Gothic Bookshop will be reassigned to other positions within the University Stores during renovations.

The Gothic and other Bryan Center construction work is part of broader renovations to West Campus, encompassing the West Union Building, Page Auditorium and new Events Pavilion, which will serve as a dining facility until West Union renovations are completed in 2015. 

Duke officials said the Gothic will maintain its unique character and independent presence. When Gothic renovations are complete, the store will be more coordinated with the operations of the University Store and Lobby Shop. The renovations will create a large storefront on the plaza with a shared retail entrance and a central cash register area. The Gothic will have new exterior glass walls that overlook the crossroads of the Bryan Plaza and a proposed walkway for pedestrian access to the new Events Pavilion. The windows will allow for natural light and for passersby on the plaza to see into the store. 

"We are all very excited about this opportunity to bring more visibility to the Gothic Bookshop," said Jim Wilkerson, director of trademark licensing and Duke Stores. "We look forward to the reopening after the renovations are complete."