The renovation project for campus dining facilities in Central Dining Hall and Trivette Hall was one of several major construction projects completed at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience.

The project supports App State’s strategic priorities, as well as the university’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. It will primarily benefit students, with benefits for faculty and staff and campus guests as well. The facilities’ All Access dining model helps alleviate food insecurity on campus by allowing students to select a meal plan that meets their lifestyle needs. Additionally, dining costs under this meal plan system are more accurately reflected in students’ estimated cost of attendance — an important metric used to determine financial aid and need-based scholarship support.

About

This project, initiated and supported by App State Campus Dining, consisted of renovations of the university’s two primary dining facilities: Rivers Street Cafe in Central Dining Hall and Park Place at the Pond in Trivette Hall.

The upgrades for the facilities’ service areas are designed to improve the functionality, efficiency and overall student experience as part of the All Access dining format offered at both locations. This work built upon the initial upgrades made to the facilities in summer 2022, which focused on reconfiguring the facilities’ access points for the new dining model.

The scope of work included:

  • Updating food preparation and service areas to ensure a smooth flow of customers.
  • Upgrading and replacing food service equipment with equipment that is more suitable for self-service.
  • Updating finishes.

All Access (formerly known as All You Care to Eat), launched in fall 2022, is an accessible, buffet-style format that fosters community building and enhances the student experience. A diverse range of quality, sustainable food options — including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks — are prepared by App State chefs.

New drink stations added at Rivers Street Cafe during summer 2023 renovation at App State.

The large fountain drink station in Rivers Street Cafe was removed as part of the facility’s summer 2023 renovation, to provide more space in the dining area. New drink stations were installed closer to the seating area for Rivers Street Cafe, as shown in this Aug. 16, 2023, photo. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Campus Dining staff prepares food at Rivers Street Cafe in App State’s Central Dining Hall.

A Campus Dining employee prepares food for one of the self-serve stations in the newly renovated Rivers Street Cafe, located in App State’s Central Dining Hall. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Renovated disposal area at Rivers Street Cafe supports App State’s Zero Waste initiative.

Pictured is the newly renovated disposal area in App State’s Rivers Street Cafe, where diners drop off their used trays, dishes and utensils and dispose of food leftovers. Signage in the area indicates what materials are recyclable and how hall visitors can support the university’s Zero Waste initiative. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Rendering of upgraded servery area in Rivers Street Cafe at App State.
An artist’s rendering of what the upgraded servery area in Rivers Street Cafe, located in App State’s Central Dining Hall, could look like once complete. This rendering does not reflect the final designs for the project. Graphic courtesy of Moseley Architects
Rendering of planned entry renovations at Park Place in App State’s Trivette Hall.
A conceptual rendering of the renovations planned for the Park Place at the Pond dining facility in App State’s Trivette Hall. This image shows what the facility’s entryway might look like, once renovations are complete — it does not reflect the final designs for the project. Graphic courtesy of Moseley Architects
Rendering of renovated servery area at Park Place in App State’s Trivette Hall.
This artist’s rendering offers a view of what the renovated servery area in App State’s Park Place at the Pond dining facility might look like, once complete. This rendering does not reflect the final designs for the project. Graphic courtesy of Moseley Architects

Status

App State secured Moseley Architects as the project’s designer, and construction for the renovation began at the end of the spring 2023 semester. The majority of this work took place over summer 2023, with finishing touches applied to Park Place and Rivers Street Cafe during mid-to-late August 2023.

Park Place cleared state inspections on Aug. 3, 2023, and reopened to the campus community the week of Aug. 7, 2023. The renovated Rivers Street Cafe reopened on Aug. 16, 2023, after receiving state approval on Aug. 15, 2023.

How is it funded?

App State’s Board of Trustees authorized full funding for the project — bringing the total to $3.8 million — during its Sept. 16, 2022, meeting, and the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors approved the full project funding at its Oct. 20, 2022, meeting.

Approximately $200,000 was used to fund the summer 2022 renovations, and nearly $3.6 million was devoted to the second renovation phase. This funding was secured through Campus Dining revenue.

Who will benefit?

Those who use App State’s on-campus dining facilities — including students, faculty, staff and campus visitors — stand to benefit from this project.

Research shows an All Access meal plan model limits food insecurity by allowing students the flexibility to pick a plan based on their lifestyle.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.

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