Prellwitz Chilinski Associates redesign for Northeastern University Student Center dining boosts revenues by 20%

Northeastern University's Curry Student Center Dining, designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) opened in August and is seeing a 20% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. The 30,000 s/f dining center redesign features a new glassy mezzanine floating within an existing two-story glass space bringing the seating capacity to over 700. The $7.2 million Curry Student Center operates as a venue for special events, student services, dining and student activities. The university sought to revitalize the center, which was last renovated in 1992, to become a renewed hub of activity. PCA's design program includes the complete renovation of the 514-seat, ground floor dining area and the addition of a new 3,000 s/f suspended glass mezzanine with 168 dining seats and 28 lounge seats. The mezzanine - accessed by a new glass stair - links dining and student center functions. Northeastern brand identity is displayed utilizing university-themed design elements throughout the space. Dining selections include Northeastern's own branded food concepts, popular local operators, and national vendors. The new design has varying ceiling heights and choice of seating experiences from counters to lounge chairs. "Curry Dining is a win-win for both the students - who now have a place to love with those big red columns, and for the university's improved dining revenue. By creatively hanging a new glassy mezzanine to fill the existing two story space, we added almost 200 seat." said Wendy Prellwitz, principal at PCA. "Fresh, local food options and the variety of gathering places create a welcoming home for students."With expansion of Curry Dining complete, PCA has now worked with Northeastern University on all of their dining hall facilities. This long-term collaboration has garnered multiple industry awards and exceeded occupancy/revenue expectations campus-wide. The project team included: contractor Suffolk Construction, structural engineer Cowen Associates, mechanical/electrical/plumbing/fire protection engineers R.W. Sullivan Engineering, kitchen equipment consultant Trimark United East, kitchen equipment spec writer Colburn & Guyette, lighting designer Vanguard Lighting, audio/visual consultant Communications Design Associates, specifications Kalin Associates, cost estimating Totora Consulting and photography Anton Grassl/Esto.