New dining hall coming to EKU campus

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) –Aramark Educational Services LLC have entered a $37 million dollar agreement with Eastern Kentucky University to construct a new dining facility on the Richmond campus.

The three-story, 55,000-square-foot facility will be built on the site now occupied by Case Hall and Annex. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be substantially complete in December 2017.

EKU officials say Aramark will dedicate $32,350,000 to the Case demolition and subsequent dining hall construction, $2.2 million to a Steak ’n Shake and Starbucks in the newly renovated Powell Building, and $2.45 million to dining “refreshes” to other existing campus locations, including the Stratton Café, concessions and convenience kiosks. Additional returns to the University include annual brand refresh funding ($3 million over the term of the agreement), annual repair and maintenance ($2.8 million), annual catering fund totaling $525,000, and an annual scholarship fund totaling $300,000.

In addition to an 800-seat main dining hall on the second floor, numerous retail dining options along with seating for 500 will be available on the first floor. The third floor will feature a multipurpose room, small classrooms and offices. The facility will also include private dining spaces that can be reserved for campus events.

The new facility will feature an energy-efficient design and ample natural light with windows facing the adjacent Memorial Plaza, as well as easy access from several directions. “North Green,” an open green space, will be located behind the hall.