Dear Friends,

Over the last several months, the Dining Hall and Community Commons Space Programmatic Committee, has continued its work to help facilitate plans for a revitalized dining hall and central commons space on campus. A steering committee, which includes members of the programmatic committee and a few others representing various constituencies from our community, was assembled this summer to help steer the project, and most recently, this team has worked closely with the entire committee to evaluate architects and dining consultants who might partner with us on this flagship campus project.

We are pleased to be able to share that DLR Group has been selected as the project architect. After a rigorous search process that involved hands-on engagement with not only our committee but student leaders from across campus, we were impressed by DLR Group’s approach to collaboration, commitment to sustainability, and understanding of our unique culture. Learn more about DLR Group and the architect selection process.

Envision Strategies/RICCA group has also been selected as our dining consultant, and will work closely with us and with DLR Group to develop a dining master plan and advise on items related to kitchen design. Envision Strategies/RICCA group was selected for their experience in advising colleges and universities on how to offer students an enhanced dining experience, with a focus on community and connection.

This winter and spring, both DLR Group and Envision Strategies/RICCA group will begin the work of gathering information from stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our committee will continue to come together to discuss their findings and develop programmatic suggestions for the steering committee moving forward. We will continue to keep the campus informed as this project develops. If you have any questions, you may email me at acoschi1@swarthmore.edu.  

Sincerely,

Anthony Coschignano, Assistant Vice President, Auxiliary Services

Greg Brown, Vice President of Finance and Administration   

Andy Feick, Associate Vice President for Sustainable Facilities Operation and Capital Planning

Susan Smythe, Sr. Project Manager and ADA Program Coordinator