Though Ohio University’s Nelson Dining Hall opened almost three months ago, phase two of the Nelson Commons construction project is far from completion.
Phase two, which includes a new banquet hall, began in September and is estimated to be completed by summer 2013. The revamped Nelson Commons cost $6.4 million.
“All Culinary Services facility renovations are funded through reserves from the Culinary Services’ annual operating budget,” said Brian Thompson, director of Auxiliaries. “Neither Culinary Services or Ohio University will incur any financial debt from these renovations.”
Phase two will include an accessible ramp to the front side of the dining hall, a banquet hall that will have a capacity of 300 people, and private dining areas that will accommodate 100 additional people, Thompson said.
“Culinary Services hopes to enhance the on-campus dining experience for everyone,” Thompson said. “We believe that our continued renovations and service commitments help to strengthen Ohio University’s prominence in recruitment and retention.”
Culinary Services and Auxiliaries collaborated with different groups on campus for the Nelson renovations, including OU Design and Construction, the student-led Culinary Services Development Committee, project architects and food service consultants for more than a year, Thompson said.
“Culinary Services hopes to use the banquet halls for both campus groups and outside guests with catering events,” he said. “This creates space flexibility and expandability opportunities that were not previously available.”
Phase one renovations were met with positive feedback, and phase two is still on schedule, said Harry Wyatt, associate vice president of Facilities.
“I think the renovations are progressing quite well,” Wyatt said. “All the reports that I’ve received on the first phase of renovations are quite popular with the students. Nothing really sticks out in my mind as a particular obstacle for phase-two renovations.”
The Nelson Commons’ phase-one renovation, which included the South Side Espresso Bar, Nelson Court and the expanded Nelson Market, had mixed reactions from students. The changes to the previous dining hall were not practical, said Nick Gittinger, a sophomore studying engineering technology and management.
“The renovations don’t mean that much to me,” Gittinger said. “The only time I spend in Nelson is to eat food. Other than that, I don’t think the market has that much to offer besides the produce. I haven’t found much use in the renovations, and they took out Nelson Grab N Go, which is lame.”
However, the renovations contributed to a positive work environment and made employment at Nelson Commons enjoyable, said Kristen Rice, a student leader at Nelson Dining Hall and a sophomore studying social work.
“I love the new Nelson,” Rice said. “I believe it feels more like a restaurant than a dining hall. Some people say the renovations are an inconvenience, but I think it’s worth the wait.”
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