October 23, 2014

Student Commons Transformation Update

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We’re Running Right Along

The CIA’s existing Student Recreation Center is running full speed toward its transformation into the Student Commons. “The expansion of our fitness facilities to over double the space before the renovation, has greatly enhanced the comfort, enjoyment, and fitness options for our students,” says Dave Whalen, CIA associate dean of student activities, recreation, and athletics.

The expanded weight and group exercise rooms offer more space, more machines, and more options to achieve a total body workout.The new cardio room features state-of-the-art upgrades, including new Expresso bikes offering interactive games. Students can compete with the rider next to them or at another college as they shift, steer, and race to the finish line across simulated terrain. The new P80 treadmills offer the latest in touchscreen technology to allow students to watch TV or surf the web while they work out.

The expanded weight and group exercise rooms offer more space, more machines, and more options to achieve a total body workout. Students can stop by for one of the CIA’s yoga, spinning, Zumba, or other classes. Or, students can set their own schedule by using the TV/DVD system to play their own workout videos. And music player docks in each of the rooms mean that students can set the tone for their workout with the perfect playlist.

The expanded weight and group exercise rooms offer more space, more machines, and more options to achieve a total body workout.The pool, racquetball courts, gymnasium, indoor track, and the rest of the Student Rec Center’s facilities remain available to students throughout the construction.

Up Next—A New Dining Facility!
Targeted for completion in June 2015, the centerpiece of the Student Commons will be “The Egg”—so named for its oval shape—which will provide additional student dining options. The Egg will operate seven days a week offering students food from a variety of kitchens, including the current Quantity Food Production class, a café, a pastry shop, and more.

Some other exciting features:

  • A pop-up concept restaurant developed and operated by CIA bachelor’s degree students that will change each semester.
  • The Brooklyn Brewery at the CIA, integrated into the degree program curricula and supporting the college’s beverage education programs.
  • A vibrant marketplace, where students can shop for fresh seasonal produce, cured meats and charcuteries, cheeses, breads, dried pastas, healthy grab-and-go meals, snacks, and beverages.
  • A stage for open mic nights, karaoke, comedy shows, cooking demos, and more.

“The Egg at the Student Commons is definitely going to be the place for students to hang out,” says Waldy Malouf, senior director of food and beverage operations at the CIA. “Campus life will revolve around it. Students will dine, meet, study, relax, socialize, and even be entertained. Plus it has a classroom component that’s a vital part of our mission here at the college.”

Targeted for completion in June 2015, the centerpiece of the Student Commons will be “The Egg”—so named for its oval shape—which will provide additional student dining options.