By Colter Hettich, Features Editor

With phase one of the Campus Center renovations nearing completion, the ACU community must wait only one more semester to enjoy the fully remodeled Bean.

“This will be the most dramatic transformation I’ve ever witnessed,” said Anthony William, director of retail and purchasing.

Williams assures students they will not be disappointed.

“We not only want to meet students expectations, but exceed them,” he said.

Phase one, which included the Hilton Food Court, two flat-panel televisions, an information desk, an ACU timeline above the post office boxes and an accent bench, lacks only furniture for the Campus Center lobby from being complete. Williams expects the furniture to arrive within the next two weeks.

Aramark, the university’s contracted food service, intends to wow students with its new, fresh approach to food preparation: Real Food On Campus.

RFOC strives to provide students with a “restaurant in a restaurant” experience by serving freshly prepared meals and produce.

In the fall of 2008, students can enjoy brick-oven pizza, sub sandwiches and baked goods, all prepared in plain view. The Bean will also feature what Williams considers a “sophisticated
salad bar with sautéed vegetables made while you wait.”

After the meal, customers will watch their dishes ride away on a conveyer belt.

“One thing students will appreciate is the new automated dish washing system. I think it is a very significant upgrade,” Williams said.

Phase two of the Bean’s construction will “begin when school is out at the very latest,” Mary Reyes, assistant to the vice president and special events coordinator, said. “But we are hoping for a quicker start date.”

Reyes serves on the Campus Center renovation committee along with nearly a dozen faculty members. The administration ensured student representation by appointing all Students’ Association officers to the committee. The committee has met together continually since the summer of 2007, and deliberations concerning the Bean have finally come to a close.

All construction documents have been approved, and the administration plans to meet with the architects and designers in the coming weeks.

With construction “moving right on schedule,” Williams cannot wait to unveil the finished product.

“Come August 2008; the Bean will be one of the better, aesthetic restaurants in the city of Abilene,” he said. “I think the students will be very pleased.”