Redefining Campus Dining at Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) is the largest community college in Colorado, serving over 28,000 students across its three campuses. The Westminster Campus alone supports nearly 8,000 students, many of whom are commuters balancing education with work and other responsibilities. Recognizing the need for more efficient and accessible dining options, FRCC sought to transform its full-service commercial kitchen and cafeteria into a modern, grab-and-go facility tailored to student needs.
Collab Architecture led the design for the 3,128 SF renovation, reducing the physical footprint of the existing cafeteria, removing kitchen equipment, and reconfiguring the space for an owner-run Grab & Go concept. While the shift was partially influenced by COVID-19, it also aligned with the college’s broader goal of enhancing convenience, increasing throughput, and boosting sales.
Year:
2023Location:
Westminster County Campus, ColoradoProject Type:
RenovationClient / Entity:
Front Range Community CollegeThe project involved complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) renovations, extensive fire alarm upgrades, and full rebalancing of the space due to the removal of existing kitchen equipment. Coordination with a kitchen consultant was critical to integrating specialized equipment while optimizing functionality. Additionally, a separate maintenance project was undertaken in conjunction with the renovation, replacing all rooftop units (RTUs) and further upgrading fire alarm systems.
By reimagining the dining experience at the Westminster Campus, this project reflects FRCC’s commitment to student success, providing a practical, commuter-friendly solution that better serves the evolving needs of its campus community.
