Morrison Commons gets modern update

The second phase of the Morrison Commons renovations has been a work in progress since May 2024. These renovations update the dining hall, relocate the Starbucks and C-Store, introduce a new center staircase and create diverse seating options for studying and dining. 

Additionally, a Campus Safety office with glass walls separating it from the open lower level replaces the Campus Safety desk.

Construction continued through the summer, but not without complications, leading to delays as classes resumed at the end of August, Shannan Nelson, chief financial officer and executive vice president, said. 

Still, Nelson believes students will benefit from the approximately $3.2 million “Phase II” renovations.

“We’re moving away from the cafeteria,” Nelson said. “We’re starting to look into the more modern dining facility where you're not going through a single line.”

Renovations created new seating within the lower level of the commons and provided a larger area for students to congregate. Nelson described the new space as being “more casual, comfortable and accessible.”

Some students say the dining hall still feels crowded and difficult to navigate.

“Since everything was pushed back towards the windows, it definitely feels congested. The thought of being there, my anxiety just goes over the roof,” Junior Susana Gebrekidan said.

 Freshman Zander Dziedzic echoed those sentiments

“It feels very crowded to me. It feels like there are maybe too many tables and too many seats for the amount of space we have,” Dziedzic said.

The renovations have also affected workers like Junior Em Powers, a Viking Grounds barista, who believes the renovations have made it difficult to serve students.

“We don’t have the physical space to be working with more than three or four people at a time,” Powers said.

Additionally, the new renovations didn’t improve Viking Grounds’ equipment. 

“We have the exact same sinks, the same counters, the same broken dishwasher,” Powers said.

Within the early stages of construction, workers and customers reported the temperature of the building’s lower level to be uncomfortable. Powers suffered a heat rash from intense temperatures and lack of air conditioning. 

“It was just really frustrating,” Powers said, commenting on their working conditions. “Some of our workers are a bit older, and I just don’t think that is safe.”

The next phase of construction will focus on other spaces in the commons, including the Back Alley. 

“The back alley will become a multi-purpose, multi-function room. It will hold about 20-30 people,” Nelson said.

Two garage doors will be built by the bar near the Back Alley exit. Opening the doors will allow the multi-purpose room to expand, holding 70-80 individuals for larger gatherings.

Popular classes like Zumba and yoga will likely be held in the back alley after renovations, and students will continue to use the space for club events and other activities.