Since the College was first built more than 55 years ago, Grebel’s residence has grown, apartments were added, and our classrooms, library, archives and other academic program spaces have all expanded dramatically. However, our kitchen and dining room are largely the same as they were in 1964. It’s now time to reinvest in these important facilities. We’re pleased to share plans to build a new kitchen and dining room, which we hope to begin in May 2019.
The Need
Hospitality around food is near to the heart of the Grebel experience. Hannah Hill, a current student and residence Don, noted that “part of Grebel’s culture is to ‘Fill the Table.’ This is a practice that is passed down from upper year to first-year students and shared with staff and faculty. Everyone is encouraged to welcome anyone at their table until it is filled.”
Having “room at the table” is key to building community—but currently there is not always room for everyone. An expanded Grebel cohort of students, faculty and staff now crowd into a facility that was originally designed for a much smaller community. “In the fall term, we are unable to accommodate most off-campus associate students at Community Suppers,” said Mary Brubaker-Zehr, Director of Student Services. “This means that they miss out on a crucial part of Grebel life.”
“With close to 70 graduate students, increased activity in the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, and more participants in our continuing education programs, we need increased capacity in our kitchen and dining room to serve the community,” added Dean Marlene Epp.
The Food Services department has been stretched with increased demands for catering and hosting campus events, not to mention the growing student numbers and the increase in specialized diets. “I’m really looking forward to a new, expanded and updated facility,” said Cheri Otterbein, Food Services Manager.
“It’s high time to reinvest in hospitality at Grebel,” observed President Marcus Shantz. “The new kitchen and dining room will ensure that we maintain our reputation as a friendly and welcoming spot, with some of the best food you’ll find on campus.” He also noted that “one of four areas in the ‘Extending the Table’ Strategic Plan 2015-2020 was the area of ‘Enhancing Facilities and Campus presence.’ This project is a critical part of this plan.”
Left: Chapel Stairway. Right: Circulation Pathway to Atrium
The Vision
Grebel alumnus Brian Rudy (BES ’89) is a partner at Moriyama and Tashima Architects (MTA) who helped with a feasibility study and now the construction drawings. “I have many fond memories of my time at Grebel, and would consider them some of the best years of my life,” he wrote, describing his excitement to work on this project. “At MTA, we strive to create spaces that foster community engagement, social interaction and academic excellence, providing enduring value and memory over time. This is certainly the type of space that the Grebel Dining Room represents in my mind.”
Students are also represented on this process. Elora Deering (2nd year NanoTech Engineering) is on the Building Committee, and voiced student desire to have an elevator and a “Pantry” included in the project. “The Pantry will give students a place to make late-night snacks and will also be a spot for off-campus associates to store and prepare their lunches,” elaborated Student Council President Madeleine Neufeld (3rd year PACS).
Aerial view from Westmount side shows the green roof.
The Plan
A Building Committee chaired by Director of Operations Paul Penner is working hard to make this vision a reality. “We’re pleased to be working with Nith Valley Construction again,” he said. “This is a complicated project as we work with an existing building and coordinate construction in a way that keeps our students fed.” Construction on the new kitchen is scheduled to begin in Spring 2019. Shortly after that, renovations to the existing dining room will begin, and plans are in place to turn the atrium into a short-term dining hall while the dining room is unavailable
during summer months.
The new Pantry, complete with microwaves, fridge, storage, and sink.
Community Supper Set-up for 264 people
The Numbers
The estimates for the project are $6.8 million. Because some of this project is considered to be deferred maintenance, the Grebel Board is committing $1m of capital reserves. “We can also finance some of this project,” explained Board Treasurer Ron Kielstra (BA 1986), “as long as strong enrolments and donations to the annual Grebel Fund keep operations in the black.” There are no government funds available for this project.
A Fundraising Advisory Committee, chaired by current Grebel parent Ruth-Ann Shantz, has been active in planning the “Fill the Table” fundraising campaign. “We have engaged our alumni through a variety of events this past summer and introduced the campaign to parents at Taste of Grebel this fall,” reported Ruth-Ann.
Fundraising milestones have been met ahead of schedule, with $3.2 million in gifts and pledges reported at a special board meeting on November 1. “We are thrilled by the depth of generous support for this project,” said President Marcus Shantz. “This project resonates with people who understand what hospitality means at Grebel. Our dining room is a place that shapes our students into leaders in our businesses, not-for-profits, and faith communities.”
Servery
A public campaign launch event was held on November 15.
Watch our website for details on our Ground Breaking ceremony anticipated for the spring.
uwaterloo.ca/grebel-fill-the-table
Servery Entry
