In addition to the new construction, the project includes the renovation of portions of the existing STEM building and the provision of an enclosed connecting bridge to unify the College of Business Engineering and Technology. The renovation will expand the Power and PLC Laboratories and upgrade the existing Electrical Engineering Laboratories, enhancing the educational experience for students in these fields.

The dining area was demolished down to bare walls for the complete 19,215 SF renovation. The number of serving areas was increased from seven to nine, including the addition of a “to go” area and an allergen-free serving station. The new configuration yields about 200 more seats inside the dining area. A space was also created to feature a ‘pop-up’ station that will host local chefs and different menus each month. The dining hall’s new “fresh food forward” concept features increased space to work and display cooking styles, options, and additional stations.

Construction took place over the summer, and the dining hall continued to operate for summer school residents and on-campus camps in a temporary tent location on nearby Heritage Lawn. The renovation provided a refreshed look to Acansa Dining Hall while offering more comprehensive food options for on-campus meals, including an emphasis on providing choices that don’t have eight of the common allergens for food.