Construction Zone: Cafeteria replacement

With the completion of its new standalone dining court, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., has replaced the last of its residence hall-based cafeterias.

The new dining court is the fifth and final new or renovated dining court constructed as part of Purdue University Residences' 10-year master plan that transforms and upgrades its on-campus dining facilities. The new food court features Brazilian barbeque, made-to-order pizza, pasta and hot sandwiches in a 60,000-square-foot building that incorporates brick, wood, tile and glass into a design similar to a ski lodge. WiFi access and a selection of widescreen TVs help make the dining court a “destination location” for students. The architect relied heavily on student input when designing the dining court, and university officials took menu cues from student feedback.

“The new upscale ambience gives students the dining experience they've come to expect through a lifetime of restaurant dining,” says John A. Sautter, vice president for housing and food services.

The architect is Scholer Corp. (Lafayette, Ind.).