WINNER: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER

ENTRY: CENTER FOR COMMUNITY

THE BIG IDEA: C4C is a model for cutting edge college dining facilities with its environmental attributes, a range of international and traditional food stations and design as a campus community centerpiece. Since opening last August, it has become the “place to break bread,” have meetings and mingle with the campus community. Its array of ten themed “micro-restaurants,” each with its own ambience and character, offer everything from hand-rolled sushi, fresh Latin fare and Italian specialties to authentic Asian and even Persian dishes. There's also a particular emphasis on organic and regional produce, sustainable offerings and specialty foods like allergen-free, kosher and halal. A testament to the “community-building” mission, it is not unusual to find groups of visiting rabbis or members of the local Mideastern community stopping by to enjoy its authentic fare.

The venue will allow CU Dining to potentially double its off-campus meal plan sales in the next four years, generating an additional $1 million in gross revenue while its environmental efficiency reduces utility costs by some $300,000.

PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:

Kambiz Khalili
Exec. Director of Housing/Dining

Amy Beckstrom
Director of Dining Services

Cairon Moore
Asst. Director of Dining Services

Kerry Paterson
Executive Chef

Janice Torkildsen
Manager, Marketing/Customer Experience

Juergen Friese
Dining Facilities Coordinator

Matt Bratton
C4C General Manager

Brian Frazier
C4C Asst. General Manager

Bakergroup Hospitality & Foodservice Design

Davis Partnership Architects

Centerbrook Architects/Planners

Hefferan Partnership Lighting