After nearly two years of construction, the new Dining Commons opened to community members on Monday, December 8. The reopening marks a significant moment in the school’s history; with a budget of $41 million dollars, the dining facility is one of the school’s largest ever capital improvement projects.
The New York-based DLR Group designed the space, while O&G Industries completed the construction. The project included a renovation of the old Dining Hall’s existing 33,000 square feet and an addition of 11,000 square feet. Seating, which originally fit 342, expanded to accommodate 525.
The new facility has several amenities besides the central dining space. The bottom floor has offices that will house the College Advising Office, along with extra meeting rooms and study spaces. The renovation also created new entryways; besides the original southeast entrance by Hurst Hall, there is now a northeast access point by the Griswold Science Building. A terrace by the southeast doors provides the option for outdoor seating.
The completely rebuilt and expanded servery looks out over Bissell Quad. In addition to the larger hot food bar, there is a center counter with a pizza oven, sandwich station, salad bar, dessert area, and built-in soup pots. CulinArt intends to serve pizza and premade specialty sandwiches daily at lunch. Community members can also make their own food in an updated stir fry area with seven stations and at the four new panini presses.
Since opening, the Dining Commons has become a popular spot for studying during the school day. “I’ve been spending hours every day in the new space. The space is really conducive to socializing, studying, and eating, all my favorite things,” said Sia Reddy ’26. Several events have already been held in the facility, including Jingle Bingo and the annual Gingerbread House Build.
The school’s dining service prides itself on using “Real Food,” a philosophy that manifests itself in locally farmed produce and meat. “Tasting History,” an exhibit curated by Jeffrey Gong ’26, showcases the progression of the Dining Hall and students’ meal experiences since the school’s founding. Displayed in Main Hallway, it features a map of historical eateries in Lakeville, as well as aspects of the dining experience from food sourcing, to atmosphere to student traditions. “Many things have changed here at Hotchkiss, but some don’t,” said Gong. “I hope that we can recognize food and the memories we make in the Dining Hall as an essential part of our school experience and routine that bonds us around hot meals and laughter.”
