New Outside Dining Option on Campus
Rendition of the new outdoor dining option coming to campus. Renderings courtesy of David Burke Architects
The Hudson River is not yet fully melted, and Marist University announced a new outside dining option for later this year, a community space located right outside the Steel Plant.
Professional renderings show an open patio decked out with firepits and fairy lights. Students are lounging in outdoor armchairs in small groups, with a food truck and trailer promising rotating, seasonal options. The idea is to keep the offerings fresh and new throughout the semester.
As of now, this menu is still being finalized, but a statement on Marist’s website promotes “Italian favorites” — all of which can be paid for with the standard Den Dollars, Grubhub, Marist Money, credit, or debit cards.
Despite this, Marist students feel the new project does not reflect what they want on campus.
First-year housing has faced many maintenance issues throughout the semester. Elevators in freshman dorms have been breaking down, leaving students to walk up to nine stories multiple times a day. Water fountains are available only on a few floors, and stoves or sinks are not available for personal cooking.
“The concept sounds cute, but we want different things,” said Melina Montgomery ‘29.
Another issue is the current parking situation on campus. With a lack of parking for students and long walks to classrooms, the question of how much we really need another food option arises.
On the university’s Instagram page, commenters point out the need for more parking and complain about Marist’s lack of action regarding those concerns.
“We have a Dining Hall already, and the money should rather be used on making the food better instead of creating more options,” said Kaitlyn Murray ‘29.
The outdoor dining space will be run by Gourmet Dining, the same company that already provides the food for many Marist students on a daily basis. Therefore, hopes of cooperation with smaller, local businesses from the community have been erased.
Furthermore, students with certain dietary restrictions can struggle to find a wide variety of options in the existing dining halls. When it comes to plant-based or gluten-free foods, there is often only one meal available through students' meal plans. Rather than investing in the same group of foods being repeatedly offered across campus, a more diverse offering would cater more effectively to students' needs.
Still, students have voiced their appreciation for the focus on creating more spaces for socializing, finding the idea of more outdoor spots appealing.
“We need more community spaces,” said Rehana Inayet ‘27.
Executive Vice President Geoffrey Brackett said on the university's website that this new location would give Marist students the opportunity to further enjoy the campus.
“We’re excited to add a spot that showcases the setting that makes Marist so special,” Brackett said.
Current temperatures can make it difficult to picture oneself outside and enjoying a meal in the fresh air, but on the university's Instagram post promoting the new dining option, construction is expected to be completed by late spring to early summer.
As of now, a more specific timeline, as well as further details on the menu, are not available. The progress of construction will depend on the weather, as Director of Media Relations Anthony Proia said.
With renderings from David Burke Architects, students are meant to better envision themselves sitting outside during warmer weather. As the campus waits for the ice and snow to melt, Marist will continue working on the space, bringing this new community hub to students soon.