The Syracuse University Bookstore in the basement of the Schine Student Center is moving to another location on University Avenue, which will free 30,000 square feet of space within the building.

The best use for this space is to build a grocery store exclusively for the student community at Syracuse University.

The university has hired the Architecture Research Office to facilitate the Schine Renovation Feasibility Study, which will investigate how the building could better serve SU students. The study, which will include surveys and recommendations via social media, will be completed by summer 2013.

There are no grocery stores in walking proximity to students living on Main Campus. Though there are FoodWorks locations throughout campus, students have little variety and limited accessibility to fresh produce.

A grocery store that serves as an expanded version of FoodWorks or South Campus Express could meet those needs. Having a grocery store in the center of campus would also eliminate having to travel to a Wegmans, Tops or Target. Though bus transportation to these stores is an asset to students, the availability of more grocery locations would be greater convenience for students.

Creating more dining and food areas is a concept the feasibility study is exploring. But with many dining locations all ready accessible throughout campus, a designated grocery store for Main Campus residents would be the most beneficial.

Ultimately, whatever plans are finalized, the space should be designated to improve campus living for students. The construction of a grocery store in Schine is the best way the building could be enhanced to better meet the needs of the SU student body.