New Timetable Set for Dining Hall Renovations

After failing to begin renovations to O’Donovan Hall over winter break as promised last summer, the university will start remodeling the dining hall this summer.

“Construction will begin in early June 2008,” university spokesperson Andrea Fereshteh said. “Renovations will occur over the summer and will be done consistent with the plans ARAMARK [Higher Education] provided and in consultation with students on the food committee.”

Renovations were scheduled to begin over winter break; when students returned, however, only a wrap station had been added. It is unclear why other renovations did not occur.

Plans call for six themed food stations on the upper level — which will be known as the “International Marketplace” — and four more on the lower level, “Leo’s Down Under.” Leo’s Diner will serve breakfast all day on the lower level.

Last summer, Karen Cutler, a director of communications for ARAMARK, said that despite the internal remodeling, the seating capacity will remain approximately the same as the current accommodations.

Proposed diagrams provided by university spokesperson Julie Bataille at that time showed food serving areas on both levels in roughly the same places as they are now.

The only visible changes to the cafeteria since the summer are the addition of a wrap station on the lower level and new doors at the entrance.

The renovations should be completed by the beginning of next semester, according to the University’s press release last June.
Diagrams on display on the upper level depict tile designs for the new floors, color schemes for new carpeting and chair coverings, as well as stools and chairs for a variety of new seating arrangements.

— Mary McGuire