Caf Gets a Facelift

The salad bar in Harrington Place Dining Hall. (Olivia Abernathy)

Belmont University spent the summer renovating Harrington Place Dining Hall, and the new look includes longer tables, a more open floor plan and a UCook station.

“A lot of people don't like the consolidated tables, but I'm all for making new friends,” said sophomore Edward Smith. “I've met 95% of my friends in the caf, and I don't think that's going to change. I think it's cool whatever they want to do, as long as they keep the community in there.”

However, not every student is a fan.

Junior Ella Markwald said she is disappointed by some of the dining hall renovations. She said she misses the ability to hide away in corners. Now, nearly all the seating options are long tables with clear sight lines.

“Sometimes, I come to the Caf because I want to, literally, just eat alone,” she said.

Natalie Higgins, sophomore, said she misses the old gray and brown booths with padded seats.

“It definitely looks newer and fancier, but I miss the booths and I miss the darker lighting,” she said.

“I feel like it feels less comfortable. Everything is very bright in there.”

Rendering of the planned entryway (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. renovated entryway (Olivia Abernathy)

Rendering of the planned dining hall (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. renovated dining hall (Olivia Abernathy)

Rendering of the planned dining hall with LED wall (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. renovated dining hall with LED wall (Olivia Abernathy)

Rendering of the planned UCook station (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. built UCook station (Olivia Abernathy)

Rendering of the planned open seating concept (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. renovated open seating concept (Olivia Abernathy)

Rendering of the planned community spaces (provided by Keith Chapman) vs. renovated community spaces (Olivia Abernathy)

Written by Olivia Abernathy