August 4, 2005
Windsor Halls addition continues Purdue food service improvements
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University will unveil the latest step in its plan to update its residence hall dining services when it opens a new dining court in Windsor Halls.
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The Windsor Dining Court is the newest phase in a $48 million plan to dramatically change the nature of student dining in Purdue residence halls. Dining halls with one or two entrée options are being replaced with dining courts offering a wide variety of food, eating environments and schedules.
The dining court, located in Vawter and Warren halls, began serving lunch to small groups of invited guests on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The facility will serve meals on a limited basis until it opens with regular hours on Aug. 19. At more than 26,000 square feet, it can accommodate 480 guests at a time.
"Students coming to Purdue are used to a wide variety of choices in their dining," said Ernest F. Poland, director of University Residences. "Growing up, they have eaten out with their families more than any generation before them. People are enjoying a wider variety of foods than in the past.
"The changes in dining services are another example of meeting the demands and desires of our students and providing them a living experience they will value."
The $12 million facility is the fourth of five new or redesigned dining courts in the multi-phase Food Service Master Plan for University Residences. Earhart dining court opened and Hillenbrand's dining area was remodeled in fall 2003, and Ford Dining Court opened last year. Wiley Dining Court, which will be created as a new structure adjacent to the residence hall, is slated to open in 2008.
The planned revamping also includes a new Harrison Grille operation to open in September, and an updated Cary grill operation to open in fall 2006. Existing retail locations in Hillenbrand, Meredith and Tarkington halls continue to operate. At least one dining court or retail operation will be open at all times from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. during the week, and until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
"There is a growing trend in university dining services to provide students a wider range of eating options," said Sarah Johnson, University Residences director of dining services. "We sought input from a large number of students, and they repeatedly told us that they want different types of high-quality food available throughout the day to fit their busy schedules. The overwhelmingly positive response to the dining courts has been even more than we expected."
The Windsor Halls facility will serve students dining-court style, with seven stations offering a wide range of different cuisines:
• Abby Road Deli — Made-to-order deli sandwiches and grilled paninis and a variety of homemade soups.
• Soho Market — A variety of international cuisines, including African, Caribbean, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern. Each day, the market features food from a different region of the world.
• Portobello Road — A sampling of vegetarian and vegan items from around the world.
• Piccadilly Square — A soft-serve sundae bar and waffle bar available throughout the day.
• Regent Grill — A grill serving fresh-made burgers with a wide selection of toppings, other daily featured sandwiches, french fries, vegetables and other side dishes.
• Chelsea Garden — A salad bar with classic greens, toppings, fresh-baked bread and spreads, fruit and daily featured sizzling salad toppers.
• Devonshire Way — Freshly baked cookies, pastries and other desserts.
"There is an emphasis on international foods, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes," Johnson said. "Students want to eat healthy foods, but many are not sure how. These options will provide them with easy ways to make healthy choices."
Johnson said the new dining court will have a different feel than its existing counterparts. Efforts were made in the design process to stay true to the Tudor style and cozy feel that gives Windsor Halls their distinctive atmosphere.
"The other dining courts are very contemporary and open," Johnson said. "For Windsor, we have kept the design consistent with the rest of the hall. It is a warm, cozy dining area with slate floors and wood paneling on the walls and ceilings. There is a much more intimate feel."
University Residences is entirely self-supporting and receives no money from the state or tuition.
Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu
Sources: Ernest F. Poland, (765) 494-1000, efpoland@purdue.edu
Sarah Johnson, (765) 494-1000, scj@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to come to lunch at the new facility Aug. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Several Purdue administrators also have been invited to lunch that day. For information, contact Matt Holsapple at (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Bob Barnes, a worker with Indianapolis-based contractor Stafford-Smith, puts finishing touches on the salad bar area at the new Windsor Dining Court. Scheduled to open before the start of classes, the new dining court is the latest facility in Purdue's plan to dramatically change student dining. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2005/windsor-dining.jpg
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