Commons renovation = innovation

(Walsh Jesuit High School website)

Preston Rice, Staff Writer
April 24, 2018

On any given day, 25-30 students stand in line impatiently waiting for lunch. They spend up to 15 minutes of their lunch periods waiting for hot and cold foods prepared by A Taste of Excellence.

New plans for the kitchen have been drawn up by Kaczmar Architects, and work has begun. Since the last remodel about twelve years ago, Walsh’s kitchen has proven to be inadequate to serve the larger student body.

However, next year the kitchen will occupy “three times the current space — we will actually enter the area and walk through the serving areas like at a college dining hall,” explained Mr. Ertle.

The new design is fitting for a college prep school such as Walsh Jesuit. As in college dining halls, the addition to the existing kitchen will allow for new equipment so that A Taste of Excellence can expand their variety of food and other offerings.

(Richardson Design)
The construction in the Commons, scheduled to be completed for next school year, will bring a greatly improved service area and an expanded menu for students.

The demolition phase has just begun but is far from over. The remodel is expected to be completed by the beginning of next school year. The design not only includes a roomy walk-in serving area but charging stations for electronics and also a counter with stools to supplement the current tables.

When asked about the new Commons, Nick Telerico, ‘18, stated, “I think it’s great. I think it’ll attract more students when they come to visit Walsh. It’s a lot better than what we had.” On the other hand, senior Samantha Bagatti protested, “I’m upset that it’s all happening before we leave.”

Future plans call for a new Spirit Shop, students to enter the school through the Rotunda, and possibly a new dining hall for the teachers.

Mr. Ertle expressed gratitude to “the team that put the plans together and to the many families who have helped fund this gift to the entire school.”

Please note that from April 30 to the end of May:

  1. Sandwiches, wraps and packaged salads, yogurt cups, fruit cups will be available.
  2. Vending will be available.
  3. Breakfast will not be available.
  4. You will still be able to use your PayForIt account (the keypad at the register).
  5. The food will be served by the Theater.
  6. All food will be prepared off site and delivered fresh daily by A Taste of Excellence to ensure safety and quality.