Knight Library set to relocate

It’s official, the businesses in the University Shoppes Plaza across from UCF, home to some of the most popular hangouts for students and locals, will be closing their doors for good on Sunday. But there is good news for Knight Library regulars and newcomers.

After seven years of memories and fun in the plaza, Knight Library will have its grand opening for its new location in mid- to late October. An official date has not been determined because the transformation of the new building into Knight Library is still in progress.

 The new building, formerly home to the restaurant Houlihan’s, is 1 mile west of the current location on University Boulevard next to Buffalo Wild Wings and Panera Bread. Even with a different building, the owners and staff still want the experience to remain the same.

 “Our vision is to recreate Library,” said John Khalil, an original owner of Knight Library.

 Walls were knocked down and the kitchen was removed to allow the same amount of space as the previous location.

 Along with recreating the Knight Library students know and love, there are new additions. The VIP area has improved and is separate from the main floor for those who want a more personal and true VIP experience.

 “When you walk in, you are not going to see Houlihan’s,” co-owner Logan Berkowitz said. “It is going to look more like Knight Library.”

 Another new feature is a 1,800-square-foot patio, which includes three 70-inch televisions and provides a relaxed atmosphere. A small stage in the corner will allow live musicians to play or a DJ to spin a different genre of music than what’s inside. The patio is the only area of Knight Library where people are allowed to smoke, because the inside is now nonsmoking.

 Even without a large parking lot, the owners are not concerned about parking. The new location will provide more than 400 spots in the surrounding area for customers to use. The parking will be safe and well lit with less than a minute walk from any spot.

 UCF senior Thayne Brown will miss how close the current location is.

 “I am going to miss being able to walk to Knight Library and walking home,” Brown, a Knights Circle resident, said. “I was shocked to hear the plaza was closing because we do not need anymore student housing.”

 There is good and bad news for Dungeon Lounge fans. Although there is progress with rebuilding Dungeon Lounge, it will not reopen until early 2013.

 “I’m going to miss the memories because it has been there so long,” senior Kris Clark said. “I usually go on Riot Wednesday so I might go check out the new location, but I’m a senior so it is hard to go out as often as I used to.”

 Although students have to say goodbye to the leaking roof of Knight Library and the plaza, they will say hello to new memories and a new beginning to an old favorite. Special nights like Country Tuesday, Riot Wednesday and karaoke on Sunday will continue.

 “We’re just going to try to bring everyone a better place. Same product, just in a better place that makes everyone happier,” Berkowitz said.

 “With better bathrooms,” added Khalil.

 Knight Library will be hosting “Library goes Old School” on Thursday at 8 p.m. to celebrate seven years at its current location. The owners have invited past bartenders to work during the special event.

 For updates on official opening days for both Knight Library and Dungeon Lounge, “like” the Knight Library Facebook page or follow it on Twitter at @KnightLibrary.