A view of Post 95

Wittenberg University formally opened Post 95, a cutting-edge café-style dining area in the Benham-Pence Student Center on January 25, 2005. The eating space, which is the first step of a three-phase transformation of the student center’s dining areas, has been open on a limited basis since Jan. 10 following a two-month renovation of the area formerly known as the Commons.

The phased renovations are a product of a working relationship between Wittenberg University and Sodexho, the independent contractor that operates Wittenberg’s dining services. When finished, the renovations to the dining areas will become models for other universities across the country and serve as an example of opportunities available through strategic partnering and visioning. Both will be cutting-edge facilities that other universities will likely emulate in the future.

Post 95 is far more colorful than the former Commons dining room and it has a wider variety of dining options. The centerpiece is Jazzman’s Café, a full-service coffee bar. Pete’s Arena, a new pizza area, Grill 155, Rappz, which sells popular sandwich wraps, burritos and soups, and Scoops, an ice cream area, create plenty of menu options. The seating arrangements are also different and include intimate areas complete with colorful couches and chairs.

The next step in the transformation will be a renovation of the Center Dining Room (CDR), the university’s residential dining area located on the second floor of the student center. The renovations will include the same kind of trendy styling as Post 95, but they will be more multi-functional, continuing to serve the Wittenberg and Springfield community for special programs, banquets and receptions.

Construction on the CDR will be completed in two stages during the next year, starting with updates to the serving area in summer 2005.