20,000 SQUARE FEET FOR UNIVERSITY DINING

Elevating student experience for both residential and commuter students alike, Iona University recently unveiled exciting new plans to transform the LaPenta Student Union and enhance its on-campus dining. Spanning two floors and roughly 20,000 square feet, the project is set to begin May 2024 and be completed by spring 2025. 

The renovation builds upon the vision of President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., to create spaces that connect, unify and ignite the Iona community. Setting that idea into motion with the opening of the 30,000-square-foot Murphy Green in May 2022, the new project expands that focus into the adjoining student union, further strengthening the heart of Iona’s 45-acre main campus. 

“We’ve seen the impact the Murphy Green has had on student life and on campus life as a whole. This is going to expand upon that vibrancy at the center of campus and continue the momentum we’ve generated,” Carey said. “I believe learning should happen all the time, not just while students are in a classroom. That’s why we want to create the spaces where students can come together with each other and with faculty and staff to continue the learning process throughout the day. Students need those spaces to perform at their highest levels.” 

Working in close partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, Iona’s food service provider and the architecture firm SLAM, which also designed the Murphy Green, Iona is setting out to transform the LaPenta Student Union into a modern, open-concept space that is inviting for the entire Gael community. 

The 14,000-square-foot dining facilities, located on the first floor, will feature stunning views of the Murphy Green, Mazzella Field and the LaPenta School of Business. Maximizing natural light with large windows and pull-out doors that open onto outdoor patios, the design also incorporates LEDs and low-carbon-footprint materials for greater energy efficiency. 

Campus food favorites such as the deli, wood-fired pizzas and pastas, freshly baked breads, grilled classics, comfort foods and popular international stations featuring ramen, soba, sushi, Mexican cuisine and more will all get upgrades in the new space. Freshly chopped salads, vegan and vegetarian selections, high-protein smoothies, gluten-free options and other healthy non-GMO snacks will also be widely available and clearly labeled. 

The project also focuses on technology upgrades and expands made-to-order food preparation, which not only allows students to see their meals being made directly in front of them, but also minimizes food waste. New touchscreen kiosks will be added throughout, and mobile ordering will expand in keeping with fast-casual industry trends to limit lines and wait times.

Tyrone Ellen, Chartwells regional vice president, Northeast division, said the team conducts surveys each spring to gather feedback on student preferences and top food choices. They also look more broadly at food trends in the industry when developing new menu options; for instance, ramen and soba have become extremely popular, and so the team added a noodle station in January. The team also lives by the mantra that food fuels the mind, body and soul; as such, they aim to educate students on healthy food choices.

Throughout the renovation, students will still have access to the full array of options in Vitanza Commons, Iona’s main dining hall. This will include popular food stations currently in the LaPenta Student Union that will move to Vitanza during the renovation. The campus Starbucks will remain open throughout the renovation with uninterrupted service.

In addition, the renovation also features a 6,000-square-foot lounge and meeting area on the ground floor. This will include multipurpose rooms for student clubs and leadership organizations, a stunning gas fireplace, several flat-screen televisions and versatile seating that can be configured in various arrangements. The lounge area will have a strong connection to Starbucks, providing additional overflow seating.   

As student clubs and leadership organizations continue to grow, Iona is committed to providing the open and inviting spaces that are needed to enhance the student experience. For commuter students, meanwhile, the renovation will dramatically enhance their ability to thrive comfortably throughout the day, whether that be studying between classes, engaging in leadership activities or staying late to socialize with friends. At the same time, as more students live on campus in residential housing, the project will create even more ways for students to feel at home. 

As the momentum continues to rise on campus, Iona is growing new student enrollment and expanding opportunities for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. This includes over 80 student clubs and leadership organizations spanning an array of interests, as well as 23 Division I varsity teams, 13 club sports teams, a thriving performing arts program and immersive community service opportunities both locally and around the world.