By Hobart and William Smith Colleges on December 15th, 2016

“We’re excited about this project and the opportunity to enhance the student dining experience and build on our partnership with Sodexo,” says Chris Button, associate director for planning and construction at HWS.

Upgrades to the main dining hall and servery include a larger, more open dining environment with more student seating and a new common room to support faculty, staff and campus gatherings. In addition to a fresh and modern facelift, the renovated dining hall will feature a new cooking station that may double as a cooking classroom in the evenings.

“The changes mean more options and more convenience as we accommodate students, faculty, staff and guests with outstanding food and an inviting atmosphere,” says Lynn Pelkey, director of dining services at HWS.

The new Common Room will be constructed first with the initial phase of the project beginning Monday, Dec. 20. Due to this construction, Pulteney Street between the Scandling Parking Lot and the Buildings & Grounds Parking Lot will be closed from that morning through the evening of Friday, Dec. 23, at latest. Both parking lots will remain open during that time.

Other minor work will be completed during the Colleges’ winter recess, with major renovations beginning immediately after Commencement in 2017. The project is expected to be completed in August 2017.

The addition and renovation projects, though not LEED certified, will follow LEED principles and include additional features that reflect the Colleges’ commitment to sustainability including: environmentally sensitive finishes (paint, carpets, flooring, wood), LED lighting for new fixtures, energy star/energy efficient equipment, trayless dining, and a new dishwasher that will save both energy and water consumption.

The Scandling Campus Center renovations follow last summer’s opening of the new Au Bon Pain bakery and coffee shop in the atrium of the Warren Hunting Smith Library and the OBC Grill, the Sub Connection and the F’Real milkshake station in the Colleges’ café. These new additions are also complemented by revised hours, allowing students more on-campus dining options.

“This work is in response to the feedback we received from students, faculty and staff during the campus master planning process that happened last year,” says Button. “In addition, we consulted with the members of the strategic diversity committee, student trustees and other student groups to achieve the best design.”

Original article posted on The HWS Update