Gibbons Hall (D-Hall) is Gearing up to Open in the Fall

In 2015, Gibbons Hall, commonly known as D-Hall to students and faculty alike, underwent construction to be replaced by a three story dining hall. Gibbons Hall has been part of the University campus environment since 1964 and is being replaced due to the increase of student enrollment since the 60’s. Gibbons Hall is going to be completely demolished so the new D-Hall can take its place. A study concluded it was more cost effective to demolish Gibbons Hall and replace it rather than reconstruct it. During the three year construction phase, students were eating at a temporary cafeteria known as D-Hub on Dukes Drive, that served similar food to Gibbons Hall. There was also a food truck and a second eating facility on campus as alternate options during the waiting process.

The design of the new D-Hall is going to be square, unlike the previous which was round. The new dining hall will feature common chain restaurants such as Steak and Shake, Chick-fil-A, and Qdoba located on the first floor. There will be an all you can eat buffet located on the second floor and a banquet for special events on the top floor. The new D-Hall will also include a special feature: an oven that had been used on campus from the 1930’s, which will be in a bakery located on the first floor.  

The anticipated opening for the new dining hall is this coming fall 2018. The total construction costs for the new dining hall totals $56 million.

This is part of an on going blog series on JMU's development, to see the other developments, click here.

More info and sources:

https://www.jmu.edu/news/2016/06/27-d-hall-bids-adieu.shtml

https://www.jmu.edu/news/campus-construction/index.shtml