University of Northern Colorado, Holmes Dining Hall

Epic atrium spaces and market-leading food services are driving the popularity of UNCO’s Holmes Dining Hall. Native prairie grass surrounds the facility, and a stylish porte-cochere draws students into the airy lobby, bright with daylight from its clerestory windows. Regionally sourced masonry elements were used for the arcing face and main body of the building, and for many interior finishes.
This student-oriented destination site was created to offer a contemporary, restaurant-level dining experience to UNCO’s West Campus population. Eclectic food-service venues also satisfy students’ call for a healthy, social and engaging dining experience. A dramatic canoe-shaped display-cooking venue, carving stations, rotisseries and other world-class themes reinforce the concepts of “fresh” and “made for you.”
Whether ordering at the fast-service Market Deli or opting for the full-meal experience, students interact with staff, view the food as it is prepared, cooked and served, and dine at booths, bars and tables. Designers incorporated a glass-front oven into a glass block wall, allowing students to witness breads, rolls and desserts in the making.

“Very ‘tastefully’ done! Inviting and dynamic.”–2006 jury

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