Eureka College to renovate, expand Dickinson Commons dining hall from cafeteria to food court

Menu selections to greatly increase

Eureka College’s Dickinson Commons dining hall will undergo major renovation and expansion this summer to convert the original cafeteria design to a modern food court and to accommodate the college’s growing student population. The facility located at the corner of College Avenue and Burgess Street was built in 1961.

The approximately $2.1 million upgrade led by Core Construction will add nearly 45 feet to the west side of the building. Seating capacity in the main dining area and the East Room private meeting room will grow by about 25 percent.

The upgrade will include an expanded kitchen with new equipment, new offices, new restrooms and additional storage space. The project is scheduled to be complete before classes begin Aug. 27.

Menu offerings will be greatly expanded via a food court with six serving stations: one for made-to-order entrees such as omelets and stir-fry; a spot for pizza and pasta; a grill for familiar fast-food fare; a deli-style sandwich bar; a soup and salad bar; and a cereal, pastries and dessert counter.

Approximately 70 percent of Eureka College students reside on campus and use the Commons daily, said Chief Financial Officer Marc Pasteris. “Students expect restaurant-quality flavor and nutritional meals, prepared from exceptional grade domestic, international and organic ingredients utilizing socially responsible methods,” Pasteris said. “This modern, energy-efficient facility will deliver culinary excellence, with attention given to an engaging style and customer service.”

Eureka College contracts with Sodexo for food services. Kathy Moore, the college’s food service director, said, “This certainly is an exciting time for both Eureka College and Sodexo. We all can look forward to an enhanced dining experience for our students, faculty and staff, as well as the Eureka community and general public.”  The Commons will be open to the public during the academic year for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays. On weekends, brunch and dinner will be offered.

The Burgoo, which is a second, smaller dining area located in the Cerf College Center, also will change its menu. It will go from offering grilled fare to coffee-house options including Starbucks Coffee products and a variety of muffins, salads, wraps and sandwiches, Moore said.

Watch the progress >

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 Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318

This rendering shows Eureka College’s Dickinson Commons dining hall with the addition of nearly 45 feet to its west side, at left. The addition will hold a kitchen with all-new equipment.

This rendering shows the updated interior of Eureka College’s Dickinson Commons dining hall, which is being renovated and expanded to accommodate Eureka’s growing student population.

This rendering shows the updated interior of Eureka College’s Dickinson Commons dining hall, which is being expanded and renovated from its original cafeteria design to a modern food court.

- click for a closer look -