Murray-Aikins Dining Hall

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Photo by Stockstudiosphotography.com

Renovation and expansion of a College Dining Hall is no easy task, especially when it is the campus’ primary food preparation and service facility, and operations must be maintained throughout the year.

As Construction Manager, MLB orchestrated the development of a carefully planned, three-phase approach to this fast-tracked project.  The mid-Winter Holiday break provided the ideal opportunity to accomplish selective demolition, re-enforce existing concrete columns and install footings for the addition of second floor meeting and banquet rooms as well as a 4,000 square foot atrium which provides attractive entry and social space, the Atrium Café, and convenience store.  The core kitchen, servery and dining spaces were kept intact for the Spring Semester.

At the conclusion of the academic year, the forty year-old facility was totally gutted and refitted with entirely new freezers, coolers, kitchen and dishwashing spaces and mechanical systems.  Multiple new food stations, each featuring specialized cuisine choices, and restaurant-style seating were put in place to create an attractive, welcoming and comfortable environment where students and staff dine, study, and socialize.  The introduction of natural lighting and a Geothermal heating and cooling system add to the efficiency of this state-of-the-art campus dining facility which was ready to resume full operation for the Fall Semester.