Construction on Woodworth Commons, Woodworth Complex's dining hall, is slated to begin this summer, ultimately creating new dining choices and removing stress from existing facilities, Jonathan Lewis, director of Dining Services, said.
"[Woodworth] was dated and needed an upgrade," Lewis said. "We're hoping this upgrade lasts a long time."
The renovation began in Fall 2005, but a lot of work had to be done before actual construction could be started.
"There was quite a bit of work to remove the old equipment and furniture," Greg Graham, interim director of facilities planning and management, said.-รก "[We needed] to remove the ceiling to verify the mechanical and electrical equipment above to make sure that the new work could be fit in place."
The renovated dining hall will cater to 500 students and eventually include outdoor seating. It will also incorporate a 24-hour two-story area that will contain comfortable seating and televisions.
The opening of Woodworth Commons corresponds with the opening of the East Residence Hall, which is expected to house approximately 500 students.
"There is another residence hall opening adjacent to [Woodworth] and [Woodworth] will probably be a primary place to [eat] other than Noyer," Graham said. "Noyer is already probably functioning at a higher level than it was designed to."
Woodworth's dining hall was crowded and the renovation will help create a more open and efficient serving area, according to Graham.
Most of the new Woodworth dining hall will be a renovation what was already there. An addition will be constructed but is only a small component of the project, square footage wise, Graham said.
Some students have lost their jobs because the Woodworth dining hall closed but Elizabeth Poore, assistant director of operations, said at least an equal amount of jobs should be available after it is reopened.
Due to construction, the parking lot between DeHority Complex and Woodworth will close in the next few weeks and remain closed for the duration of construction, Graham said.
Poore said Woodworth Commons' expected hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closing earlier on Friday and reopening on Sunday night.
Woodworth Commons is expected to be finished for the beginning of the school year, 2007.
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