Berkeley to Break Ground on New Dining Facility

Berkeley Preparatory School has received an anonymous gift to design and construct a new 11,000-square-foot dining facility on the Hollingsworth campus. Construction on the “Berkeley Café” will begin in January and is expected for completion by May 2013. The building will be ready to serve Berkeley students at the beginning of the new school year in August. This state-of-the-art dining facility is an integral part of the Berkeley Master Plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2006 to set forth a vision for campus growth and a plan to increase the endowment to sustain that growth.

“We are extremely grateful that a generous anonymous donor has stepped forward to share with us his vision and financial resources to provide our students with a world-class dining experience,” said Headmaster Joseph Seivold. “The design and construction of the Berkeley Café will be completely financed through his significant philanthropy. On behalf of the entire Berkeley community, we want to express our sincere gratitude to this donor, and for his efforts to make our vision a reality.”

The Berkeley Café addresses a long-standing need for additional dining space on campus and will serve as the new upper and middle division dining facility. Located adjacent to the Lykes Center for the Performing Arts, the Café will feature ample indoor and outdoor seating for up to 436. Ambiance is a key feature of the building – there will be plenty of natural light, high-quality seating, and a warm and inviting décor. Much like a commercial eatery, the Café will feature music and flat screen televisions throughout to entertain and inform students and faculty. The dining experience will be highlighted by several food stations, a sandwich bar, soup and salad bar, pasta bar, dessert and fruit bar, and pizza oven. The convenient location to the Lykes Center will allow the school to host pre- and post-performance events in this lovely setting.

“The Café will be an exciting new addition to a campus that has seen remarkable improvements over the past two years, including upgrades to the campus infrastructure, the construction of the new Straz Family Field House, and the installation of the Quad and Clock Tower,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Greg Iglehart, who added that plans to transform the school’s academic core, specifically by adding a 75,000-square-foot Arts and Sciences building, are already underway.

“Berkeley is blessed to have had many people step forward in support of the Master Plan and all that it has, and will, accomplish,” Seivold explained. “This generosity directly impacts our students, and improves the quality of their Berkeley experience. As facilities suggest excellence of program, the successful completion of Above & Beyond: The Campaign for Berkeley Preparatory School, will enhance our effectiveness and reputation.”

“The remaining goals within the Master Plan will continue to be influenced by those whose passion for our school inspires them to support our vision, so that future generations of Berkeley students will thrive in a learning environment that will rival the best in the country,” he added.