The rumored Atrium renovations have finally come to fruition and, for the first time since 1985, the Atrium has been closed to undergo major renovations. The dining facility will be closed for the entirety of the summer as it undergoes structural and conceptual changes.
For now, students can find sustenance at the Port City Java locations (Nelson Hall and Park Shops), D Café in Kamphoefner Hall, and the multiple C-Stores on campus. Campus Dining has also started a new line designed to help accommodate students called Wolfpack-to-Go, which will feature a variety of fresh grab-n-go sandwiches, wraps, pitas, and salads in the Creamery and Hill of Beans (both located in D.H. Hill Library). Starting in the fall semester the food court will be partially reopened allowing students access to some of the traditional Atrium choices, including Chick-fil-a, salads, and wraps. Since only the right side of the Atrium will be opened in the fall and there will be no room for seating, students will be able to eat in the 50 feet by 80 feet tent, which will reside in the Brickyard throughout the year. The tent will be fully lit, heated and air-conditioned and will allow students an alternative to sitting outside. In the spring semester, the food court construction will be switched and the left side, which is currently being restructured, will be opened to the students. Atrium-goers will then get their first glance at the new quick service structure and new variety of foods available. Jennifer Gilmore, University Dining Marketing/Communications, explained the reasoning behind some of the major changes with the Atrium. ”We picked concepts that we could do really well and do them fast,” Gilmore said. “We designed it to get people in fast with fresh, good food.” Some of the big names are going to be removed from the Atrium, too. Lil’ Dino Subs and Freshen’s Smoothie Company will not make the transition, with Paisano’s Pizzeria being heavily upgraded in style and quality. There are new options being planned, too, including an Asian eatery, which will provide daily sliced sushi, as well as a quick but customizable salad bar. The Wolfpack-to-Go line will also be offered in January 2011 as part of the new Atrium design. The project, budgeted at just over $4 million, will increase the current seating capacity by 50 chairs and allow the Atrium to keep much longer hours. ”I think students will be really pleased with the thought and planning that has gone into the new Atrium food court,” said Gilmore. “The plan will ensure that students can get a wide variety of fresh, delicious options with a minimal wait. Plus, it’s going to be beautiful.”
If you are interested or want to know more about the project, visit www.ncsudining.com/newatrium.
