The renovation of historic Perry Hall (ca. 1921) reimagines a traditional all-you-care-to-eat cafeteria as a modern food hall and social hub. The design celebrates the building’s legacy while introducing a fresh dining experience tailored to contemporary student life. Individual stations offer variety and choice—including Southern classics, barbecue, and vegan cuisine—alongside expanded retail venues for Starbucks and Moe’s Southwest Grill, and the return of the university’s beloved State Fountain Bakery, creating a balance between tradition and innovation.
A new glassfront addition expands social and dining space while solving for circulation issues. This light-filled connector provides clear wayfinding and direct access to retail venues while opening the building visually to the campus. By positioning the addition as a transparent, contemporary counterpoint, the design highlights the historic character of Perry Hall’s brick façade while providing an inviting entry sequence.
Inside, the design solution enhances flexibility and visibility, with open sightlines that connect food stations, retail options, and seating areas. Social spaces are distributed throughout, encouraging lingering, interaction, and a sense of community. The renovation respects the integrity of Perry Hall’s historic architecture while equipping it to function as a vibrant, inclusive dining destination that meets today’s demands for choice, convenience, and campus identity.