Student Union Food Court Renovation - University of Arkansas

A long-time partner to the University of Arkansas, Henderson Engineers was engaged to provide building systems design for the renovation of the campus food court located on the 3rd floor of the existing Arkansas Union.

Last renovated in 1998, the food court has been named the “makeover of the year” by students of the University. In addition to the replacement of three of the Union’s air handling units — including unit controls, variable speed fans, and the integration of existing outside air measuring stations — new ductwork was routed throughout the food court’s newly renovated areas. Kitchen grease exhaust and make-up air for the cooking and dishwashing equipment was provided through utilizing existing pathways to discharge to the exterior.

The food court’s new layout was designed to not only open up the space, but provide a more intuitive flow for students and staff. Relocating the food vendors to the center core of the court allowed for more efficiencies in the placement of systems that support the back of house operations, food preparation areas, serving stations, and seating areas — both open and private.