April 24, 2003

SFSU’s newest eating area, which will also serve as an after-hours study space for on-campus residents and a conference venue over the summer, was officially unveiled Wednesday, April 23.

Crossroads, part of the City Eats Dining Center, has been unofficially open for two weeks. The glass-enclosed room includes several tables that seat between one and four people, making it a perfect place to seek refuge from the daily bustle of the residence halls, but without the strict rules of the library. Vending machines offer snacks and beverages, or visitors can bring food in. It will be accessible at night only to students with meal plans, who can open the locked doors with their One Cards. It is free and open to the public during the day.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a mural, which depicts city landmarks, in the main room of the Dining Center.

Construction of the new dining area, which was once an outdoor patio in front of the Dining Center, is part of a two-phase project to update the dining facilities for residents who take advantage of on-campus meal plans.

"Right now, it’s turning out to be a quiet alternative to eating in the main Dining Center," said Jan Andreasen, director of housing and residential services. "But we’re really just feeling it out this semester."

In addition to the Dining Center’s regular meal hours, Crossroads is open from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. With Web hookups and electrical outlets near almost every table and vending machines serving up an assortment of sodas, juices and snacks, Andreasen hopes the room becomes an alternative study area.

"Students especially seem to appreciate the single stations against the windows. They can watch people outside, and also aren’t taking up a lot of space if they’re alone," she said.

Construction on the room was funded by Chartwells, the company that holds the SFSU residential food service contract, as part of a two-phase project. The first phase of the project, completed last year, involved renovations to the Dining Center and changes to how the food is prepared and presented to students. The Dining Center renovations cost less than projected, leaving money available for the Crossroads construction. The new room seats about 270 people.