Sam Saccone / Staff Photographer / ss324006@ohiou.edu

Students walk past the newly transformed College Book Store on Court Street yesterday.  The book store was remodeled during the summer break.

There is a new face on Court Street and it isn’t that of a student or faculty member, but the newly transformed College Book Store, which was remodeled this summer.

A new diagonal entrance with automatic doors brings a more modern look to the cobblestone street, while wider aisles, and a larger customer service desk provide easier accessibility for patrons. The Union Street side of the store now has six new windows, bringing more natural light and a warmer atmosphere.

The improvement costs totaled $130,000, according to City of Athens Ohio Code Enforcement Office.

“We wanted it to be visually appealing and more accessible for the customer,” said store manager Michael Fitterer, adding that he and two partners decided the store needed to be remodeled and cleaned up.

Specialty Books  manager Shaundra Lee said the newly remodeled store brings good competition, while sophomore Gary Michalk thought there wasn’t a big difference.

“It’s pretty much the same other than the entrance,” Michalk said.

Fitterer said he was able to contract local companies to remodel the locally owned bookstore, including RVC Architects, Inc. located on West State Street.

College Bookstore opened for business as a one-room store in 1952, but more rooms were added in the 1980s, the last time the store was remodeled.

“So far the flow seems to be easier and customers are liking it,” Fitterer said.