Construction Zone: Cafeteria renovation

Bergen Academies, Hackensack, N.J., will expand its existing dining area by an additional 4,493 square feet. The renovated cafeteria will serve about 1,000 students.

The renovation and expansion totals 11,800 square feet. The addition includes a mezzanine floor, which will be used as a senior lounge, a two-story atrium space and a complete upgrade of the food-preparation and serving areas.

The institution wanted the dining space to be architecturally expressive. As a result, the design allows for natural lighting, maple wood, exposed steel and cool graphics for the menus. Neutral colors were chosen, and the beams and columns were left visible to give the room a more youthful, collegiate and timeless feel.

The food court will include at least five food-preparatory stations including a coffee bar, hamburger station, pizza stand and salad bar.

The architect is DMR Architects (Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.).