Renovation reveals a long-hidden feature of the original Westmont dining commons walls

Remember the brightly colored glass blocks in the old DC walls? They disappeared when the college built Kerr Student Center on top of the dining commons in 1983. But this week, construction work uncovered the original exterior wall along the southern edge of the building. This wall was retained as part of the Study, the snack bar adjacent to the dining area. A major renovation of the facility will alter the interior of the dining commons, and the first phase began this summer. Knocking down the wall that separates the dining area from the study (and hid those glass blocks underneath drywall) and demolishing the walls of Monroe Dining Room will create more room for students to eat their meals.

"The contractor will try to save some of the glass blocks for the archives, if possible," says Bill Groeneveld, associate director of procurement and auxiliary services.

The remodeled Study will feature a new serving station, seating and TV area for use during the day. It will still be open late at night (Sunday through Thursday) during the school year.

Other work includes adding air conditioning, skylights and new lighting throughout the floor.

To read more about the dining commons renovation, see http://www.westmont.edu/_offices/auxiliary_services/DCRemodelProject.html