East Stroudsburg University: Dansbury Commons

Project Description

Spillman’s team completed a mini-master plan to study ESU’s Dansbury Commons. Our plans for the renovation and addition turns the building inside-out, expressing the activity within to passersby, and allowing students a more social dining experience. The building is more than a place to eat: it is a gathering forum, a marketplace, and a social classroom.

Project Details

  • Client East Stroudsburg University
  • Location East Stroudsburg, PA View map
  • Completed 2012

Dansbury Commons is a premiere dining facility in the heart of East Stroudsburg’s campus. Unfortunately the 1960’s classic-style dining hall was no longer meeting the needs of ESU students.

Spillman’s team completed a mini-master plan to study the facility. Our plans for the renovation and addition turns the building inside-out, expressing the activity within to passersby, and allowing students a more social dining experience. The addition nearly doubles the building’s seating…

Dansbury Commons is a premiere dining facility in the heart of East Stroudsburg’s campus. Unfortunately the 1960’s classic-style dining hall was no longer meeting the needs of ESU students.

Spillman’s team completed a mini-master plan to study the facility. Our plans for the renovation and addition turns the building inside-out, expressing the activity within to passersby, and allowing students a more social dining experience. The addition nearly doubles the building’s seating capacity, a much needed improvement for ESU’s growing campus. The building is more than a place to eat: it is a gathering forum, a marketplace, and a social classroom.

East Stroudsburg’s mission to open and expose their dining facility to the campus is realized with the addition of an “interior street” which runs through the center of the building. As students ascend the central stair, they are presented with their dining options. The building’s interior and exterior transparency aids in the public perception of the dining experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the dining area emanate throughout the building, inviting students to take part.

The opposing entrance on the east of the building serves as the main student entrance. It is located on a highly trafficked corner of campus, with close proximity to the newly constructed dormitories. The lobby within this entrance serves as the “see and be seen” space, where students will gather before dining. The addition of an executive dining mezzanine gives faculty and senior staff a private place to dine, while maintaining their connection with the student activity below. This facility is a benchmark in the student dining experience, taking ESU’s dining and meal plans to new heights.