New venues and an updated décor are all part of the six phase renovation plan. According to Tracy Widergren, marketing and communications coordinator for campus dining, after renovations are complete, Watterson Commons will provide a brighter and more comfortable space for students. 

  “The layout to the dining center is also changing, with the food venues and seating areas being intermixed, which will help reduce the congestion that is sometimes experienced in the current food court set up,” Widergren said. 

Currently, the south side of the seating area is closed off for renovation, causing a loss of 200 seats for a total seating capacity of 560. In order to ensure enough seating for diners without overcrowding, campus dining has taken proper procedures. 

“We have worked with Environmental Health and Safety to maximize seating capacity without it becoming a safety issue,” Widergren said. In order to do this, the dining center has temporarily replaced the seating arrangements with banquet-style seating on the north side of the dining center. 

But some students are still feeling the tight squeeze.

“I ate there yesterday and it looked like a lot of congestion,” Bryanna Gardner, sophomore psychology major, said. Gardner also added that due to the new seating arrangements, diners have to sit in close proximity to each other.  

“This semester will be the tightest in terms of space. However, by the spring we anticipate new venues to be open and all seating to be in place in both the north and south sides of the facility,” Widergren said. 

Despite the lack of space, Gardner believes the renovation is a positive thing. 

“Looking at the dining center last year, it looked like it could use the construction,” Gardner said. 

Gardner believes after the Watterson Commons renovation is complete more students will be inclined to eat there. 

According to a news release from Kathy Beal, assistant director of media relations, after renovation is complete, more than 3,500 students will be able to enjoy Watterson Commons’ dining services. 

“Overall reactions have been very positive…Students have been very excited about the new venues that will be in the facility,” Widergren said.

“Campus Dining is committed to providing a positive dining experience for all of our guests, and we hope everyone is excited about the changes that are on the horizon,” Widergren added.

Students can view an on-site display at Watterson Commons and can follow the renovation progress, view pictures of the construction and get up-to-date news by checking out Campus Dining on Facebook at dining.ilstu.edu/watterson/facebook.