University of Massachusetts Amherst

Berkshire Dining Hall

Project at a Glance
Location

Amherst, MA

Architect

Livermore Edwards Associates

Project Type

Renovation

Project Overview

  • Managing procurement and construction on an aggressive eight month schedule
  • Coordinating food service equipment layout and installation with mechanical systems
  • Devising a logistics plan within high-profile campus

UMass Amherst wanted to renovate their existing 800-seat dining hall to improve the efficiency of their operations, and also to provide students with diverse, made-to-order food options in a stunning new facility. As a central dining facility on campus, Berkshire Dining Hall could only be taken offline for one semester, requiring our team to sequence and complete the work on an aggressive eight month timeline.

Due diligence efforts included selective demolition, hazardous material abatement and identification of certain mechanical systems for re use. The new facility features equipment and finishes typical of a state-of-the-art kitchens and servery, along with architectural features that include an advanced lighting package, 40 types of tile, custom banquettes and advanced acoustical systems to provide background music that will not drown out student conversations.