The Den, Barret Hall’s Java City coffee shop, closed down in December, and now that space will serve a different purpose.
According to an email sent to the residents of Barret by Ryan Randolph, Area Coordinator from Barret and Smith Adams Halls, the open area is now being used as a lobby for the residents of Barret. Residents will have access to it through the use of their ID cards and it is open 24/7.
Students will now have a place to watch movies, play games, and hang out with their friends of the opposite gender.
Randolph said the lobby is currently equipped with an ice maker, microwave and a few industrial fridges. Other appliances are still in the works. Residences are allowed to keep their food in the lobby fridges, they are just asked to label everything with their names.
The classroom next door to the lobby is also going to be open for residents who need a quiet place to study.
The Den was a coffee shop that offered customers a variety of coffee choices along with smoothies and other snacks. It opened in January of 2006 and patronized by many Barrett residents because of its proximity, but was closed down by Business Services because it wasn’t receiving enough business.
“I was really sad to see The Den close down. I loved not having to wait in lines for drinks and it being so close to my room,” said Taylor Brown, sophomore Ad/PR major from Southlake and Barret Hall resident. “But I am pretty excited that we’ll now have an open lobby area and access to kitchen supplies.”
In addition, Randolph also said there will be free coffee served at 7 a.m. during the week. It’s bring your own cup, but coffee, cream and sugar will be supplied.
“Students can come get some coffee on the way to class and not have to worry about waiting in lines,” said Allye Foster, senior communications major from Lubbock and Barret Hall RA.
As far as future plans go, nothing official has been said, but it has been thought to make this area into a kitchen space.
“There’s a lot of counter space in Barret so incorporating a stove and some refrigerators in there would be nice,” said Foster. “Most other dorms have a kitchen with those utilities so it would be nice for Barret to have one.”
