by EMILY MELTON
News Reporter

While students prepare for a change of classes, professors and living arrangements, the university is also going through a few changes.

Increasingly  poor conditions of the structure of Welborn Dining Hall have caused the university to construct a new dining facility.

A view of the cafeteria in its second phase of construction from the fourth floor of Rivers Street Parking Deck. Photo by Alisha Park

“Two phases of construction must be completed,” Director of Design and Construction Clyde D. Robbins said. 

The first phase of construction will result in the relocation of the cafeteria.

The new cafeteria will be located adjacent to Varsity Gymnasium.

The second phase of construction, the building of a dining area and seating space, will be completed in June of next year.

“The first phase of construction is about 85 percent complete,” Robbins said.

He said he attributes the delay to unexpected difficulties with furnishing contractors.

“We’re about a year behind schedule, but the finished project will be a very nice facility,” Robbins said.

When the project is complete, Welborn Dining Hall will be replaced by the expansion of Sanford Mall green space, as well as the new dining hall.

New food options will include a rotating rotisserie, a stone-fired pizza oven, and a charcoal grill.

NoodleWorks, wrAPPS,  Chick-Fil-A, the food court and sushi bar will continue to be offered.

“The new cafeteria will be set up a lot like Trivette [Dining Hall] is now,” Director of Food Service Ron Dubberly said.

Dubberly said the cafeteria will include two different areas and a central hallway.

“One  area will be the River Street Café; the other, Sanford Commons,” He said.

Both are planned to open when students return to school in January.

“There won’t be much seating area for students until the project is completely finished, so most of the orders will have to be take-out until then,” Dubberly said.

Dubberly  said the old cafeteria must be torn down in order for construction to be completed.

“The dining hall, where students will sit to eat, will be located where Welborn [Dining Hall] is now,” said Dubberly. “Since it will be under construction, there will be a period of time when seating in the new facility will be tight.”

When completely finished,  the new cafeteria will seat up to 1,700.

Initial concern for the project developed when it was discovered that Kraut Creek might be affected by the cafeteria’s construction.

“A close eye has been kept on the creek to ensure this doesn’t happen,” University  Design and Construction Engineer and Project Manager of the University’s Kraut Creek project, Patrick A. Beville said.

Other changes to university food options have also taken place.

The pizzeria in Trivette Dining Hall has been moved to the food court and TCBY is no longer available.

McAllister’s Select, featuring a take-out menu of McAllister’s most popular items, has taken its place.

Additionally, traffic on College Street will be rerouted starting Aug. 21 due to utility work for approximately three months, according to University Services.

“The detour will be through the College of Education site at the corner of College Street and Howard Street,” according to an e-mail sent to Appalachian State faculty and staff. “Signage, fencing and barricades will direct traffic around the area of construction.”

Access will still be available to the College Street Parking deck, Bookstore Service Drive and the AppalCART bus stop.
 

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