Construction workers are building a new CVS Pharmacy in Main Gate Square, scheduled to be open by the time classes begin in the fall.

Although its opening date is set for Aug. 30, management is hoping to open the store sooner, according to Jane McCollum, general manager of the Marshall Foundation that owns the property where the CVS will be located.

The primary focus for the store will be its pharmacy, McCollum said, though it will also have a grocery section and general products like those sold at other locations.

CVS was also asked to embrace the history of the West University Neighborhood, McCollum said.

Most of its flooring will be wood, and the store will have black and white historic graphics of UA buildings such as Bear Down Gym and Old Main.

“I think it’ll be sharp,” McCollum said. “I think it’ll just look really cool.”

With various markets around campus open late, CVS would add to students’ options of where to shop for school supplies, snack food and other products.

“I believe that any college campus and vibrant university has a number of options for students, faculty and staff to be able to use,” said Jason Tolliver, director of the Arizona Student Unions. “We’re going to continue to provide what our students and what the university community expects, needs or wants … so we think it’s going to be a good complement to what we’re doing.”

According to McCollum, the downtown Tucson community is looking forward to having a CVS nearby, especially with the Tucson Modern Streetcar opening in summer 2014.

Nicoletta Carbone, a sociology junior, said though it’ll be different from what’s in the area, a CVS would be a convenient place to pick up cheap drinks and snacks. It will also be beneficial to students to have a pharmacy near campus, she added.

“It’d be easier to have a pharmacy that’s close by campus rather than having to drive,” Carbone said. “Or instead of having to use the health center on campus.”

Brooke Warren, an elementary education senior who works at Pasco Kitchen and Lounge in Main Gate Square, said she thinks the CVS will do well on University Boulevard where surrounding businesses are popular.

“Students will always need little things like Chap Stick, Tylenol,” Warren said. “I think it’s really convenient.”

Overall, McCollum said she’s gotten positive feedback from students, merchants and residents of nearby neighborhoods.

“We think it’s going to be very exciting for the neighborhood,” McCollum said. “I did not expect the total positive response from every merchant and from every neighbor I’ve talked to and every student I’ve talked to … they’re seeing this as an opportunity to get things that they can’t get on campus, I think.”