New Norris may not be getting done anytime soon, but Wildcats can at least look forward to new dining options there this school year.
Vice-President for Student Affairs Patricia Telles-Irvin announced in an email today that there will be several dining renovation projects across campus in the coming weeks as a result of the University’s new food service contract with Compass Group. The company agreed to fully fund upgrades to Norris food court, the dining area in Sargent Hall, Lisa’s Café in Slivka Hall and Café Bergson in the Main Library.
The Norris food court will undergo the most extensive change to become a “food hall.” It will feature eateries such as Asiana Foodville, Budlongs Hot Chicken, Wildcat Deli and MOD Pizza. Also planned are local options from Evanston restaurateur Amy Morton and an upgraded convenience store with healthier food options, Telles-Irvin said in the email.
The first phase of the Norris work is expected to be finished by the start of fall quarter. The opening of MOD Pizza is scheduled for late November.
Lisa’s Café in Slivka will become home to a Plum Market, providing a variety of natural, organic and local groceries. Café Bergson in Main Library will offer a new “smart market,” with 24-hour fresh vending options.
Sargent Dining Hall will be the first of four dining hall renovations to be funded by Compass between now and December 2019. It will be upgraded to create a “farm-to-table atmosphere” (Shepard basement better watch out.) The projects are expected to be completed by mid-September, and all three will be closed while they are under construction.
Good ol’ Norris will remain open, however, though part of the ground floor - including the north entrance - will be inaccessible. The ADA-accessible entrance will be relocated to the south entrance. The current C-Store will be temporarily relocated to the Dunkin’ Donuts location, which will re-open in the Fall.