Elon University: Colonnades Dining Center

Project Description

The Colonnades, is a complete departure from the typical dining hall or food court. Designed by Spillman Farmer Architects, The Colonnades is a two-story, 24,000-square-foot dining facility that offers a variety of separate and unique dining choices instead of one large room and kitchen/servery. The result is a building that transforms the very concept of a dining hall and offers an exciting variety of spaces and experiences for students.

Project Details

  • Client Elon University
  • Location Elon, NC View map
  • Sq. ft. 24,000
  • Completed 2007

In 2007, when Elon University opened the doors of its first new dining facility since 1968, it set a new standard in campus dining. The University’s goal was to offer locally grown produce, high-end dining atmospheres, and an environmentally sustainable building.

 

The new facility, called The Colonnades, is a complete departure from the typical dining hall or food court. Designed by Spillman Farmer Architects, The Colonnades is a two-story, 24,000-square-foot dining facility…

In 2007, when Elon University opened the doors of its first new dining facility since 1968, it set a new standard in campus dining. The University’s goal was to offer locally grown produce, high-end dining atmospheres, and an environmentally sustainable building.

 

The new facility, called The Colonnades, is a complete departure from the typical dining hall or food court. Designed by Spillman Farmer Architects, The Colonnades is a two-story, 24,000-square-foot dining facility that offers a variety of separate and unique dining choices instead of one large room and kitchen/servery. The result is a building that transforms the very concept of a dining hall and offers an exciting variety of spaces and experiences for students.

 

The first floor of the building features The Fountain Market, a grocery mart where organic and locally grown products are sold. Within the Market are the deli and fresh-tossed salad venues. Also on this level are the food service provider’s campus offices and the central cooking kitchen. A grand staircase leads visitors to the upper floor, where four separate dining venues are located. Diners can choose from among a full-service restaurant serving steaks and seafood, a brick oven pizza for Italian-style fare, a soup and sandwich stop, and an international cuisine venue with food prepared on a Mongolian grille. Connected by a central arcade, each venue boasts a distinct identity and unique ambiance. There’s also an outdoor terrace overlooking the campus for open-air dining during the warmer months of the year.

 

The Colonnades was re-dedicated in 2017 and renamed Clohan Hall, in honor of the Clohan family, who made a generous donation to the University.