West 82 will undergo renovations this summer, costing about $2 million.
West 82, the food court located in Baker Center’s first floor will be closed this summer in order to undergo renovations.
“The goal is to create better customer experiences by improving the flow and traffic patterns within the venue," Dan Pittman, an Ohio University spokesperson, said in an email.
He added the university hopes the upgrades to equipment and service areas will help eliminate crowding and relieve congestion.
The increase in efficiency may be a welcomed change to students, some of whom have reported long lines during certain hours.
“I think it’s always crowded, it depends on the time but more often than not it’s pretty busy,” Anna Vassalotti, a senior studying communication, said.
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The budget for the renovation is $2 million and should be ready to open to the public again at the start of the 2016 Fall Semester, Pittman said.
West 82 does not currently accept payment using meal-swipes from OU Culinary Services, and the new renovations will not change that.
Cash, credit, Bobcat Cash and Flex Points will still be accepted.
Even if they do not take meal swipes, many students find the food court to be a good alternative to dining halls.
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“I like it, I think they do a good job,” Alli Macintosh, a sophomore studying communication sciences and disorders, said about the food quality.
During construction those looking for food at Baker Center will still have several options. Front Room Coffee House will offer additional to-go meal items. Latitude 39 will be open for lunch, and the Hungry Cat food truck will be parked nearby, Pittman said.
@morgancbeard
mb775514@ohio.edu
