Worcester Polytechnic Institute Founder’s Hall Dining Renovation

Worcester, MA

Education – College/University

Three Spaces, One Destination
Our team collaborated with Worcester Polytechnic Institute to revitalize three interconnected dining spaces, transforming them into a vibrant culinary destination that energizes the campus’s eastern sector. The project wasn’t about renovating three separate rooms. It was about creating a single experience that draws students, faculty, staff, and visitors into a connected dining hub.
The renovation centers around a new Starbucks location in Founder’s Hall, which serves as the cornerstone of the project. The space’s historic vaulted ceiling now spans thoughtfully designed seating arrangements that create a welcoming communal atmosphere. This area fosters a natural connection to Goat’s Head, a dynamic full-service dining facility featuring two rotating culinary concepts that keep the menu fresh and engaging.
From Convenience to Culinary Experience
Completing the trilogy is Innovation Kitchen, located across the hall. This hybrid space reimagines the traditional campus convenience store by integrating it with a fast-casual dining experience, offering students quick access to grab-and-go items and freshly prepared meals. It fills a gap that most campus dining plans overlook, giving students speed and quality in the same stop.
Together, these three distinct yet complementary spaces create a compelling dining destination that enhances campus life and encourages community gathering on WPI’s east campus.