The Commons

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The Commons opened in 1997 as a replacement for the Powell Dining Hall. The Commons building is two stories not including the basement and attic. Housed within are the University’s main dining hall, offices, event rooms, the campus post office and University bookstore. The Commons was connected to the Guerrieri Student Center by a hallway known as “the link.”

Images

Commons Dining Hall Exterior

Commons atrium with seating

"The Bistro" serving area

Commons Dining Hall Tables

Commons Dining Hall Atrium and Diana Statue

Commons Dining Hall

Commons Dining Hall Serving Area

Chinese Dragon Dancer from event held in "The Bistro"

"The Link" of Nations

Entrance to "The Link" from Commons

Entrance to the Commons from Campus

SU Bookstore Display Case

SU Bookstore Clothing Rack

SU Bookstore Entrance

SU Post Office and Mailboxes

SU Post Office Window

The Commons Entrance from Campus

Student getting fruit in the Dining Hall

Student at Fiesta Express in the Dining Hall

Student at Roastery Station in the Dining Hall

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

In 1995, Salisbury State University introduced plans to replace the Powell Dining Hall. The new building would sit adjacent to the Guerrieri University Center, and connect via hallway. However, this space was currently occupied by the President's house. The university purchased a residence across Camden Avenue for the president to replace the original home, which was soon demolished. The cost of the new building would total $22 million, and was paid for through auxiliary funds and student fees. The building opened in 1997.

The Commons, a 100,000 square foot building, is two stories, not including its attic and basement. Like the Guerrieri Student Center, it too was built with brick, but also featured columns and a rotunda over the dining area. The building’s first floor included a food court, kitchen, gourmet buffet room, and collection of dining rooms for the students that were also available for rent by the community. One of the dining rooms had a more formal setting and was designated "the Bistro". The building’s second floor has offices for food services, as well as several more rentable dining rooms. The basement is now home to the University Bookstore and campus post office.

The Commons often hosts specialty food nights and is open to the community for dining. The bookstore and post office are also open to the public.

Sources

Bradley, Sylvia . Salisbury: From Normal School to University 1925 - 2001. Salisbury, Maryland. Salisbury University Press, 2002.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Nabb Research Center, SUA-031