University of Florida Gains Temporary Kitchen, Dining Structure

The University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., recently deployed a 6,600-square-foot temporary kitchen and dining structure in one of its parking lots, according to a news release. The structure known as “The Eatery” will serve students until the completion of Broward Hall renovations in fall 2024. The university partnered with Mobile Kitchen Solutions, a division of Rental Solutions and Events, to install the facility during winter break 2023.

The facility will offer food, cooking, preparation, storage, serving, and dining services during the university dining hall renovation. The structure is climate-controlled and divided into two main areas—the dining and buffet area, and the kitchen. The dining area features class walls and decor, signage, buffet stations, and tables and chairs. The full-service kitchen includes smaller sections dedicated to prep and storage, dishwashing, and sinks featuring dry storage racks. RSE also installed a 40-foot containerized temporary kitchen POD to offer gas cooking equipment including double-stack ovens, steamers, and tilt skillets. The unit offers safety procedures like fire suppression systems and exhaust/make-up air hoods to meet code, the news release reports. Lastly, it includes two upscale restroom trailers and one ADA-compliant restroom trailer.

The university moved into the temporary dining facility on Jan. 1. MKS also provided all temporary cabling, distribution boxes, interior plumbing, and HVAC systems.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • California District Breaks Ground on Major Campus Renovation

    Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced that construction has begun on a major campus overhaul for Otis Elementary School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Lathrop Construction Associates, Inc., for its design and construction, respectively.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • CSU Starts Construction on New Engineering Building

    Colorado State University in Denver, Colo., recently began clearing space for the construction of the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, according to a news release.