459 Commons – More than Just a Dining Hall

495 Commons

February 6, 2008 - It certainly is not your ordinary, campus-dining hall. In fact, previous generations of Tigers would have a hard time recognizing it as such. But, it is the future of dining at LSU, and it’s much more than students traditionally expect. This month’s opening of the 459 Commons, LSU’s new upscale, residential dining venue, represents the University’s commitment to meeting the needs of the current generation of students.

“The future of LSU Dining has to address our generation of students, the Millenials,” says LSU Dining Director David Heidke, “We are trying to create a place for people to want to visit and have a dining experience.”

The new facility, located behind Acadian residence hall, is conveniently located for all east campus residents, and is full of improvements over older facilities.

Students enjoy both the sophistication of a restaurant and the comfort of a home kitchen with the dining hall’s contemporary design. Seating options include self-leveling pub tables and stools, booths and bar counters, plus a private dining room for student meetings complete with a sofa. The facility also has wireless Internet access and LCD televisions, which will broadcast messages during an emergency.

The dining hall offers healthy food choices that are low in fats, sodium, and sugars, as well as numerous menu options for dietary restrictions. The menu includes many vegetarian items and will soon include kosher items as well.

Students also have a place to cook their own food using electromagnetic technology. Chefs at the dining hall will offer cooking classes to students so that they will know how to prepare meals when they leave college.

In addition to the upgrade in dining features, the $8 million renovation project has transformed the old Laville Food Emporium into a model of energy efficiency, with improvements including self-adjusting fluorescent lights and a dishwasher that uses 40 percent less water and soap than those in the older dining halls.

LSU anticipates about 1,350 students will eat lunch at the new dining hall daily. The 459 Commons is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., offering students with extended dining hours.