The Cowell Dining Commons at UC Santa Cruz needed renovation, and existing food service facilities were in sore need of replacement. Originally designed in 1966 by Wurster, Bernardi and Emmons Architects, the dining commons building had served meals and been a central student gathering area for more than forty years. This high-use facility was originally designed for a much smaller student population and no longer met the needs of the two colleges it supports.
CAW oversaw this renovation to provide a revitalized dining commons for Cowell and Stevenson Colleges. Improvements include complete MEP, life-Safety and seismic upgrades, as well as accessibility improvements, including a new elevator linking the ground floor to the second floor dining hall. The new facility allows students a place to gather and participate in the many activities of student life, and to choose from a variety of food options. After renovation, the facility can serve up to 3,200 students per day. CAW solved the university’s needs by finding a way to upgrade an important existing building to serve the growing needs of the campus and food service operations.
