Cafeteria temporarily occupied, students move to bookstore
Carlos Restrepo
-Editor in Chief-
On a typical Monday at noon, the cafeteria looks busy as usual. Students crowd the lines to get food, but they can no longer sit in the eating area available last semester.
The renovation of the student center continues with the cafeteria phase, shifting students to the hall adjacent to the book store, making it a little more crowded there.
“In the area of the cafeteria, we are currently removing any asbestos that there might be as part of the renovation,” said Willie Wright, manager of building grounds. “Everything is going to look new; everything is going to look great.”
Wright said he hasn’t heard any complaints from students, but he said he hopes students have patience. The cafeteria project should be finished by the start of the fall semester.
Wright said the new cafeteria lounge will also have the capacity to hold more students.
The renovation of the student center was initiated by the necessity to eliminate possible asbestos from the building. The inital estimated cost was $70,000. The new design is to feature an exposed ceiling with multiple colored tiles hanging around the lights.
In the cafeteria area there will also be a patio with an over-hang.
Students will have to adjust to the changes, but the school has alternative plans for inconveniences that might arise.
Steve Brady, campus life director, said Student Activities will figure out other places to hold their events.
He said places such as the Humanities East hallway, the gym and outside areas will be used if necessary.
Faye Bryant, cafeteria cashier, said the number of students going through the cafeteria has remained the same. “Business is good,” she said. “I know students might be a little impatient, but it is going to be worth it,” Bryant said. “Just hang in there.”
