To prepare for the coming semester, Foy is getting a facelift.
The building was closed upon the opening of the Student Center and had functioned much the same way while it was in use.
It housed the offices of student organizations and provided a central location for on-campus student dining.
"After observing the traffic flow, evaluating the location of Foy, understanding the demand for more lunch options and conducting surveys among students, Tiger Dining partnered with the University and decided the best way to use the space allotted," said Gina Groome, Tiger Dining's marketing manager.
After doing all the research, Auburn and Tiger Dining decided to "create an atmosphere that could provide as many dining options as possible for the students," Groome said.
In addition to adding dining venues, the structure of the building itself has been updated.
"The building will be getting a new roof, we will be modifying the existing HVAC systems, and we have repainted the areas where departments are now located or will be located," said Jann Swaim, facilities division administrator.
Foy has three floors and a total of 123,048 square feet.
It was built in 1953 and last renovated in 1974, according to Auburn's buildings Web site.
That space will be occupied by several new dining options.
New additions are Salsarita's, serving Mexican food; Mondo Subs, offering made-to-order sandwiches; Wild Greens, a self-serve salad bar; a station offering soups and toppings from Au Bon Pain; and a grill, serving southern home-style cuisine.
"The new food court will be a step in the modern direction with bold colors and an assortment of brand new, comfortable seating," Groome said.
The building is set to be open to the public when students return for the spring semester, Jan. 11, 2010.
With lunchtime as one of the busiest few hours on campus, traffic in the Student Center can be heavy.
"It is hopeful Foy will provide another destination for students to choose from," Groome said. "It is very likely it will help relieve traffic elsewhere on campus."
Foy is between Thach and Ross halls and is near Haley Center.
"Our hope with Foy is to allow lunchtime to be an even more positive experience that is convenient for students and that meets the demands of their busy schedules," Groome said.
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