A new Student Commons designed by Tipton/RTA was unveiled today during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the University of Kentucky. The 82,000 sf residential dining facility is tailored to UK’s brand with limestone walls and two 1,500-pound barn doors of repurposed wood. Sustainability is a main focus of the 1,000-seat commons, which features a demonstration kitchen to showcase local food, reservable dining space to seat 120, and fresh food demonstration cooking platforms.
In addition to the commons, Tipton also designed a Starbucks which opened on August 10 in the University’s library. The 6,200 sf design is the largest Starbucks location on any university campus, as well as the largest location in Kentucky.