Waring construction alters dining patterns

Waring Commons will offer food court style dining when renovations are completed.

West Halls residents returned from spring break to find one of the dining rooms in Waring Commons closed for renovation.

The closing was the latest step in the project to change the Waring Dining Commons from the traditional service line style to more of a food court.

The food court will feature a deli, bakery, stir fry, expanded salad bar, pasta bar, and grille area. Barry Scerbo, director of Food Services, said Waring Commons is the last of the University dining halls to undergo renovation.

Demolition began Dec. 22, 1997, said Janet Decker, manager of Waring Dining Commons. When students returned from winter break, they were forced to use disposable plates and utensils because the kitchen was under construction and the dishwasher was removed. It wasn't until March 3, however, that construction progressed into the actual dining area.

Up to this point, most of the work that has taken place has been demolition, said Bob Shuey, project superintendent.

"We're getting ready to start the building stage right now," he said.

Because of the closed dining hall, students have had to find ways around the long lines and cramped seating arrangements. The Office of Housing and Food Services extended dining hours to ease the strain on students.

Kim Brooks (freshman-kinesiology) is one West Halls resident who has taken advantage of the expanded hours. "We either go to dinner a little early or late," Brooks said. "If you go at the right time it's not that bad."

As another attempt to reduce the crowding, the housing office offers carryout lunches in the commons such as subs, salads and desserts.

"I've just been buying the takeout meals," said Saul Pollack (freshman-biology). "It's a lot easier than eating in the commons."

The dining hall will remain closed until summer when the second dining hall will also be renovated, Decker said. Since Waring Dining Commons is not open during the summer, this will not cause an inconvenience, she added.

When the renovation is finished Aug. 8, there will be several different areas where students can get their food made to order.