SUNY Adirondack unveils inspired dining hall

College sources furniture and plan redesigns from local companies

QUEENSBURY, New York (Oct. 11, 2022) — More than just the produce is locally sourced at Chartwells food service at SUNY Adirondack, as the college last month unveiled its newly redecorated dining hall.  

The upgrades includes traditional and bar-height seating, study pods and spaces for groups and individuals to work in privacy. 

“Working with a local vendor, we were able to provide a modern, welcoming environment,” said Tom Kent, executive director of SUNY Adirondack’s Faculty-Student Association. “We have already received many compliments from students and staff.” 

The project was spearheaded by interior designer Amanda Blaise of Girvin Office, whose designs were distributed by Charlie’s Office Furniture, a Queensbury-based company. 

Blaise’s designs coming to fruition is the culmination of a long process delayed by the pandemic. According to Kent, the college’s partnership with Chartwells was renewed in 2019. Part of that continued relationship included a renovation to the serving area. Then COVID-19 hit and delayed the rest of the plans, which included upgrades to Einstein’s Bagel Cafe in Scoville Hall, as well as the food court area. 

“I enjoyed working with our local college to provide a new, updated and more collaborative atmosphere for students and faculty,” Blaise said. “Our main focus was to take inspiration from the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, and incorporate it into our design.” 

The result is a serene, spacious facility decorated in natural woods and shades of blue and green.  

“The college is committed to providing a wonderful experience to our students, faculty and staff, and, through our partnership with Chartwells, we offer great variety and quality of food, and now the dining area matches the experience,” said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of SUNY Adirondack. “We are proud to support local businesses in our projects, further strengthening the college’s long-standing ties to our community and its businesses.”