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

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • Dallas-Area District Debuts Three New Facilities

    The Duncanville Independent School District in southwest Dallas, Texas, recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for three new facilities that resulted from a $170-million bond program passed in 2023, according to a news release.