There’s a refreshed and reoriented space on the St. John’s campus.
Thanks to a partnership between Aramark, Memorial’s contract food provider, and Student Residences and Ancillary Operations, R. Gushue Hall now looks very different.
Both the Senior Common Room and Junior Common Room have been renovated and renamed (DH-2006 and DH-2002, respectively), and the foyer has been opened up to create a mezzanine overlooking the Main Dining Hall.
The project’s initial scope came from a need for overflow seating for the dining hall.
However, with a complete makeover and new technology, the space is also an addition to the bookable spaces for hosting campus events.
Rich Blenkinsopp, Memorial’s photographer, visited recently; you can see his photos below.
Interested in booking the space? Reach out to Conference and Event Services.
1/ Students first
The original foyer area in R. Gushue Hall is now a communal space, which students use for additional dining space to the Main Dining Hall, and can also be booked for campus events.
2/ Built-in flexibility
Modular and moveable furniture means the space can be configured to suit a variety of events or purposes.
3/ Senior Common Room
DH-2006 (previously the Senior Common Room) has a mix of comfortable seating, is wired for connectivity and has design features created from materials recycled from some of the building's original fixtures, such as the lighting over the big screen.
4/ Looking west
Another view of the seating options in DH-2006 (previously the Senior Common Room).
5/ Before: Junior Common Room
DH-2002 prior to the renovation.
6/ After: Junior Common Room
In addition to being updated and refreshed, DH-2002 has flexible seating and is wired for a group's connectivity needs.
7/ Overflow dining area
The new mezzanine space is a favourite among students, as it provides a quieter place to eat than the Main Dining Hall for anyone looking to get away from the larger, more open space.
