Another piece of University history is about to be modernized.
The Faculty Commons, which has not been renovated in over 20 years, will soon undergo a face-lift that will bring a new look and an expanded menu to the West Union eatery. The plans were made in response to a desire by University officials to use the space more efficiently and to faculty requests for an improved dining option.
"The renovation is designed to take the potentially handsome and centrally located space and turn it into something that is used more and in more ways," said Peter Burian, chair of the Academic Council and professor of classical studies, who has been advising Auxiliary Services on the renovation.
Although the commons currently serves only about 50 patrons each day, the renovation includes plans to refurbish all five of the area's rooms to be more welcoming and multifaceted.
Joe Pietrantoni, associate vice president for auxiliary services, said he expects the project to be completed around Jan. 10, but the cost will not be determined for about two weeks, when contractors return bids.
"It'll have four versatile meeting rooms with the one large, multi-use faculty commons room," Pietrantoni said. "The big room will be used mostly for the faculty lunches, but it's also intended to have a much greater use, for everyone."
The large commons room-once known as the University Ballroom-will have new furniture, a refinished hardwood floor, added chandeliers and other improved aesthetics. Its capacity will remain at about 152 seats.
By having easily portable tables and chairs, the room should have many uses, including hosting student social events and wedding receptions.
"The plan is that it will be available for student use," said Chuck Catotti, director of event management. "But because it is the Faculty Commons, the [rental policy] will have a faculty priority-they will be able to schedule further out in the future."
Catotti also said that student use of the facility likely will be subsidized by the University.
The four smaller rooms, each of which seats between 12 and 20 people, will serve primarily as meeting rooms, and at least one will have new audio-visual equipment.
"Having a modern, multi-use facility with Internet connections and presentation equipment would make a big difference," said political science chair Mike Munger, who also chairs the Committee on the Dining Commons.
Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst hopes to improve the quality of the commons' buffet, and supplement it with table service out of the neighboring Oak Room. Although no menu has been finalized, Wulforst expects a noticeable rise in prices-due to the costs of construction and increased food quality-but also predicts that the typical entrée will cost between $7 and $9. He added that the commons will no longer be receiving its subsidy of over $100,000 from the University.
Professors are hoping that a more popular eatery will add to faculty interaction and to the exchange of ideas between disciplines, a concept central to the University's long-range planning initiative. Citing a lack of appealing food and an atmosphere that discourages interaction, several professors said that improvements could draw them to the commons.
"I went to Princeton [University] about six months ago, and they took me to a place I wish we had. It was nice, the food was really good and the ambiance made it feel like they really valued their faculty," said Linda Franzoni, associate professor of mechanical engineering and material sciences. "If someone from Princeton came here, I would be embarrassed."
Lucy Stringer contributed to this story.
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