In preparation for the celebration of its centennial year in 2027, South Dining Hall will undergo comprehensive renovation and repairs beginning this summer. The two-year project will begin immediately following Commencement this May, and food service will remain available at South Dining Hall throughout construction.
The first year of construction will include establishing new and expanded serving areas, state-of-the-art kitchens, accessible restrooms, and a centralized dishroom. Work during year two will focus on the full restoration of the two dining rooms and creating a new public entry on the south side of the building. New, more energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be installed to further the University's goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
“Throughout construction, the Campus Dining team will continue to provide an innovative dining experience for our students at South Dining Hall. Our team will be communicating service updates as the construction progresses,” Executive Director of Campus Dining Luigi Alberganti said.
Designed by famed Gothic Revival architect Ralph Adams Cram, South Dining Hall opened in 1927 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of a Collegiate Gothic dining facility in the United States. Its two large dining rooms each have the ability to serve 1,000 students. South Dining Hall served as the sole dining hall on campus until the construction of North Dining Hall in 1957. South Dining Hall, last updated in 1997, will be the first project on campus to meet the US Green Building Council LEED requirements for renovations of existing buildings.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on April 29, 2025.