 "Photo: N/A")
The vision that drives renovation at the Rosedale corridor continues to light up the Wesleyan campus. The bookstore moves across Rosedale Street over spring break, and the new coffee shop in the Baker Building will celebrate its grand opening March 23.
In November, local dignitaries including U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess and Kay Granger, State Rep. Marc Veasey and Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks joined University President Hal Jeffcoat in the Baker Building dedication. Burgess, a fervent local contributor, said that the changes we see are great examples of “what we can do locally with a little national participation.”
On the same commemorative day, Jeffcoat unveiled plans for the future opening of a coffee shop on the north end of the building. Named in honor of Joe Brown, speech and theater professor, Java Joe’s is in the midst of a “soft” open and will open officially for
business March 16.
The shop honors Brown’s 30-plus year career at Wesleyan. The Coffee Spot at Java Joe’s offers a menu of coffees, tea, specialty drinks and desserts. The coffee bar is also Wi-Fi equipped for those who wish to remain connected during their visit. Poly Retail, TownSite Co.’s development in the 3000 and 3100 blocks of Rosedale across from campus, is also taking shape.
The bookstore is relocating and is scheduled to open there after spring break. Follett, the bookstore operator, has leased 3,900 square feet for the new location, according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
The entire center received new floors, new roofs and updated storefronts. According
to news reports, the renovation is being funded in-part by a $1 million grant from the Housing and Urban Development administered through the city of Fort Worth.
The money was split between TownSite and Wesleyan, and Wesleyan used its money to aid in the renovation of the Baker Building. It has been more than 10 years since the area around campus has had shops or restaurants like the Mama’s Pizza, Ashburn’s Ice Cream Co. and Mott’s that once lined Rosedale.
City and Wesleyan officials are glad to see the new life. Community members hope even more changes are on the horizon.
“We are to remain united to assure positive change in the vibrant part of southeast Fort Worth,” Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks said.
Be the first to comment on this article!