Changes to Larson Commons beginning this summer

AVERY HAAG Reporter

Larson Commons is undergoing a major renovation that started this past summer. With millions of dollars behind this project, a newly renovated cafeteria is on the horizon for South Dakota State University.

Doug Wermedal, Vice President of Student Affairs, shared his role for the renovation of the building was to help write the documents that secured the financial support for the project from Sodexo.

Wermedal and his team will be supervising the contract as it undergoes improvements. For now, the list of what will be seen in the future is being put together in a document to be put up for a bid in which architecture and design workers will revise.

The renovation is expected to take place during the summer of 2024 into the school year and finishing during the summer of 2025. This should give enough time to reopen the new Larson Commons the 2025-2026 school year.

As the renovation hasn’t occurred, just some minor details added to the cafeteria, a metric for increasing numbers of students attending the Larson Commons area has not been verified.

Sophomore Garrett Pesch noticed the small changes to Larson Commons and is already seeing a difference in reaction of the student body.

“Changes were made so more people are going to show up. Although the seasoning station may be a minor detail to Larsons, it makes it more fun and easier to be able to create your dish as your own” Said Pesch.

Another South Dakota State Sophomore, Kelsey Eitzman, had similar opinions of the renovation as well. Seeing the difference in the cafeteria as a Freshman to a Sophomore, Eitzman had brought up a few things she had noticed as well.

“I notice a lot less people talking about how their food is dry and tastes bland. I think the additions that were added made a big difference in the food. I am excited for what is to come” says Eitzman.

Some complications may arise during this project. Wermedal states serving at a different location part of the school year may lead to the entire school year be needed during the renovation. This may lead to a decrease in students’ attendance to the cafeteria due to the location of food services possibly being across campus during the project.

Many changes are expected to happen within the next few years. One of the changes is the ability to make your own food. Eight to twelve cooking stations are to be added to the cafeteria. With a swipe at Larson Commons, you will receive a package of ingredients such as a ramen pack, and you will be able to cook it as you would like.

This change will be beneficial to those with allergies as people are able to put what they know they are able to consume in their food. Adding this station will also help with portion control as well.

With many changes coming within the next few years, Larson Commons should be unrecognizable. These changes include new seating, food options, and a new set up.

“I think that all that will remain of Larsons is the name” says Wermedal.