Located in Vanderbilt University’s Rand Hall, Rand Dining Center is known as the focal point of the university’s campus community. Since 1997, Gresham Smith has served as a trusted advisor to Vanderbilt Campus Dining, having executed multiple projects in the student dining facility, both large and small, primarily during the university’s summer break schedule. In 2012, we provided professional services for a gut renovation and expansion of Rand Dining Center. The end result is an up-to-date, competitive facility that not only appeals to students, faculty and staff alike, but also provides a variety of campus dining options in which to gather, socialize and interact.
began serving as trusted advisor to Vanderbilt Campus Dining
gut renovation & expansion of Rand Dining Center
square-foot Chef James Bistro design guided renovation
Taking Our Cues from the Bistro
The comprehensive 2012 renovation involved gutting the existing Rand Dining Center to the shell, with the exception of the Gresham Smith-designed Chef James Bistro Grill—a 2,000-square-foot, retail-style restaurant located within the same space. Extremely popular with students, the look and feel of the award-winning bistro played a vital part in the expansion and renovation.
Creating a Sense of Movement
Accents such as wall tile along with flooring patterns help pick up the transition between the Chef James Bistro Grill, which is connected to the servery. The renovated space was designed to enhance flow and utilize curves while offering students a first-rate culinary experience in a warm and inviting setting that includes made-to-order pizza.
Variety is the Spice of Life!
Detailed in yellows and greens to enhance the appearance of food, the servery offers a variety of food options such as build-your-own-salads, baked goods, pasta, a Mongolian grill, Fresh Mex, omelets, a potato bar and more.
Going for the Black & Gold
Vanderbilt University’s characteristic black and gold school colors were aesthetically highlighted throughout the renovated space. Tile flooring was installed to define the corridor, while a new monumental stair was constructed to access the upper floor.Gallery
