In a few weeks, Hamilton will hold a grand opening for a new café and lounge in the former Bundy Dining Hall, but we’re planning a “soft opening” this Friday. The move will pilot a more convenient option for the more than 300 students who live on the East side of campus (Bundy East and West, Skenandoa, Wertimer, Wally J, 95 College Hill Road, 100 College Hill Road, and 1 Anderson Road) to grab food, have coffee, and gather informally. The new space will be available to all students and will be open seven days a week.
There are three distinct neighborhoods on campus. They can be defined geographically as the North, South and East sides of campus. In more than a dozen meetings, lunches, and conversations with many students, they said the shortcomings of living along College Hill Road made those residences, particularly Bundy, less desirable than the spaces on the North and South side of campus. In addition, there is an increase in students’ desire for weekend programming without alcohol.
The new Bundy Cafe and Lounge is the first step toward enhancing the learning and living experience for students in Hamilton’s East side neighborhood. The Because Hamilton capital campaign, which seeks to raise funds for the priorities identified in the College’s recently adopted strategic plan, will allow us to make further improvements for students living on the East side of campus and across campus.
We recognize that converting Bundy Dining Hall from a space that can be reserved for social functions to a café and lounge reduces the number of locations available for student organizations to have parties. But data showed a drop in utilizing social spaces, Bundy in particular. Based on these data, and the input we received from students, we are confident we can provide an attractive café option and still meet the social space needs for student organizations. Student feedback continues to guide our planning. Please visit the new café when it opens and tell us what you think.
Sincerely,
Terry Martinez
Vice President and Dean of Students
