Earthy tones, lounge chairs, TVs and soothing lights greet Ball State University students in the new Woodworth Commons.
After only its second renovation in the past 10 years, the $5 million dining facility offers pizza, desserts, Starbucks coffee, salads and a grill station.
"Before, there were primary colors, stainless steel and no grocery area," Liz Poore, assistant director of operations, said. "Students wanted more groceries, earthy and warmer colors and soft seating. There are TVs built into brick columns, and the lighting fixtures are so different it'll be a challenge with [getting] all the different bulbs."
Woodworth Commons has an approximate 570-person capacity, but people tend to get grab-n-go options, Poore said.
Senior aquatics major Todd Fitzpatrick said it was his first time being in the dining facility since it closed two years ago. He said he was happy to see that there were more options for nutritious foods compared with what was offered before the renovations.
"My friends live in Park Hall and they came here the first night and said it was amazing, so I thought I'd try it," he said.
Junior music major Breanne Pynakker said she saw the building while it was being renovated, but after her first time eating there since its opening, she said it was nice with more space for sitting and talking with friends.
She liked how everything was fresh and, although one of her favorite aspects of Woodworth Commons was the dessert, she said it was easier to find healthier choices such as salads.
Although the dining facility is completed and ready to serve customers, there are a few areas that still have some problems.
The grab-n-go sections have not been working well because the refrigeration system is not cooling properly, Poore said. Cases that hold hot items such as meatloaf and potatoes were damaged when they were delivered and had to be returned as well, she said.
Despite those few "typical" construction issues, Poore said people have been pleased and Woodworth Commons sets itself apart from the other dining locations on campus.
"The lounge area is open 24/7 despite the food service being closed," she said. "It's the combination of having different food platforms and the community area with the lounge. Most kids walk in and go 'wow' because they don't know what [options] they want."
Menu El Fire Dragon: a Mongolian grill station that switches to Mexican on Tuesday and Thursday, serving quesadillas and fajitas, respectivelyDella Casa: serves brick oven pizzas by the slice, sandwiches and other Italian entrees Woody's Grill: serves hot dogs, hamburgers and fries Comfort Zone: serves "home cooking" food such as mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, green beans and meatloafPatisserie: serves a variety of desserts for lunch and dinner but also serves breakfast foods such as cereal bars, omelets and wafflesDeli World: serves salads, wraps, paninis and other healthy food choices Riverside Emporium: serves a variety of grab-n-go food options and houses a grocery store
Hours: Food:
- 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
- 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
- 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday
- 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
- closed Saturday
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
