Following two weeks of delays, Charles Street Market, the new on-campus dining facility currently under construction on the first floor of Wolman Hall, is set to open Feb. 6 according to Dave Furhman, director of Dining Programs.
The Charles Street Market, along with Einstein Bros. Bagels and caf8e, was originally scheduled to open Jan. 22 to coincide with the beginning of the Spring semester. Furhman cited various technical reasons for the delays including the snowstorms in the Midwest and Denver, Colo. which slowed transportation of equipment, slight delays on part of the manufacturers and that since some of the equipment for the market is customized, it took longer than expected to construct.
"If everything goes according to plan, it will be open next week," Furhman said.
Occupying the area that was once Wolman Dining Hall, the Charles Street Market will effect structural changes to the Wolman dormitory. Students will not be able to enter the dining facilities through inside entrances, as has been the case with the Depot and previously with the dining hall. Instead the gates facing North Charles Street will be opened up and the outdoor patio will serve as the primary means of access. The patio will be outfitted with new tables and chairs, according to Furhman. He sees these renovations, along with the creation of Nolan's and Fresh Food Caf8e, as marking "the beginning a new era of Hopkins dining."
Dining Services plans to keep the hours of the market consistent with those of the Depot.
"[The Charles Street Market] is certainly far more extensive than the Depot, but is not a full-scale grocery store," Furhman said. The market will feature a bar with hot foods, salads, soups, cold cuts and made-to-order sandwiches. Racks of normal groceries and snacks will line the back walls along with refrigerators of drinks and stands with kosher and vegetarian/vegan options. There will be a fresh produce section, which, according to Furhman, will supply locally grown (Mid-Atlantic regional) fruits and vegetables when possible. Dining Dollars, cash, J-cash and debit/credit will be accepted.
Since last fall the Depot has been the only dining option in immediate proximity to Wolman and McCoy Halls. Students have reported long lines and difficulties with the situation.
"I'm willing to wait for the market just as long as we have it completely built, and it's not going to be like Charles Commons where construction was ongoing," sophomore Robert Dewan said. "It's worth having it totally completed when it opens."
The market will open its doors this Tuesday, while Einstein Bros. Bagels will open officially for business Feb. 9. Students can show up for free bagels as part of a promotion for the caf8e on the previous morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
With construction nearly complete, the necessary equipment in place and food is scheduled to be stocked by Aramark employees over this weekend, Furhman seemed pleased about the progress of the market.
"Now it's just details."
