Elm Renovation Aims to Improve Dining Spaces

Exonians returned from Thanksgiving Break to a newly renovated Elm Street Dining Hall. Although they offered input on the furniture and layout last school year, students responded to the change with varying perspectives on its benefits and downsides.

Planning for renovations of Elm Street began last summer as part of Dining Services’ renovation efforts. According to Director of Elm Michael Como, who oversaw the process along with Director of Facilities Management Mark Leighton and Director of Dining Services Melinda Leonard, Academy leadership allocated $350,000 and worked with Architectural Resources Cambridge (ARC) to divide longer tables, create more varied seating options and promote a modern feel.

“The goal was to provide a more retro look that fits with the new serving area that was renovated a few years ago [and] to create a multi-purpose space that could be used by the community for more than just dining,” Como said.

“The goal was to provide a more retro look that fits with the new serving area that was renovated a few years ago [and] to create a multi-purpose space that could be used by the community for more than just dining,” Como said.

Student Council’s Dining Hall Committee was the first to discuss these changes with Dining Services. Senior and co-head of Dining Hall Committee Dhruva Nistane said,“We wanted to make Elm a more conducive place to chill and hang out. That’s the reason you will find lounge chairs and booth seating.”

So far, Dining Services have primarily received positive feedback, according to Como. Some students and faculty appreciate the more visually pleasing modern furniture, the variation in seating options and electrical sockets installed under booth tables.

Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs Hadley Camilus particularly appreciated the dining hall’s new aesthetic. “[The renovations] give Elm Street Dining Hall a different feel, a more modern look—it’s kind of a mixture of modern and classic, with a mix of the ugly ’60s architecture,” he said.

Elm staff were also satisfied with the dining hall’s updates. Food Service Worker Judith Gailey noted that the renovation helped expedite their tasks. “We have a little more room for our carts to go around,” Gailey said, adding that the wheels on the new tables allow them to be moved if necessary.

Others, however, are less enthusiastic about the renovations. Upper Gannon McCorkle noted that the new, shorter tables may prevent large student groups from sitting together. “As part of a sports team, we can’t sit all together. Even sitting with more than four of my friends poses issues,” McCorkle said, stating that the renovations run counter to their purpose and and encourage exclusion, rather than minimizing it.

According to senior Myra Collins, some Elm Street frequenters have found it difficult to navigate the booths’ seating arrangement. “Even [though] we can fit a lot of people, it is still hard because you have to step over people just to get a drink,” she said.

Dining Services plans to take the community response into consideration as they continue renovations which will include an electricity upgrade over the summer.