DMR Architects cooking up culinary expansion at Middlesex College

Middlesex College revealed its strategic plan to transform the school into a compelling destination in 2022. In the present, DMR Architects is helping bring the first phase of that work to fruition.

The Hasbrouck Heights-based full-service architectural firm offered an update this week, announcing it will help deliver the new 30,000-square-foot Student Center on campus. Within the building, Middlesex College's culinary program will find room to double its capacity, the firm said. DMR Architects serves as architect of record for the facility, while AECOM is design architect.

Along with a new Multipurpose Community Venue and Middlesex County Magnet School, the work is part of Middlesex County's Community, Innovation and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan, announced in partnership with the State of New Jersey . The CIO aims to establish the campus as a destination that promotes education, community engagement and the arts for all residents. The county revealed designs for Phase 1 in May.

AECOM also serves as architect for the Multipurpose Community Venue aspect of the Phase 1 work.

DMR said the new student center will include student meeting and study spaces, a game room and restaurant. The expanded culinary arts program will feature two new labs, as well as a terrace for events. Students will gain experience at an onsite restaurant, which will offer indoor seating. DMR said culinary students will also see opportunities at the 6,500-capacity Multipurpose Community Venue sports and event facility, due to break ground this fall.

The latest collaboration

DMR Architects President and CEO Pradeep Kapoor pointed out this is the firm's fifth project with the college.

"Middlesex County’s investment in higher learning exemplifies that education is a robust development area in New Jersey’s landscape to entice local students to stay in-state with unique offerings in engaging spaces," Kapoor said.

The firm's other work on campus includes the 2016 design of West Hall and the 2011 design of David B. Crabiel Hall. Together, DMR said the work totaled more than $20 million in construction value.

At 32,000 square feet, West Hall was designed to support the school’s change to its business model into a student services model, becoming the central event space on campus. Meanwhile, the 36,000 square foot Crabiel Hall was the first new construction in the prior decade. DMR said that work kickstarted development on campus, while adding functional, social and educational space. The first green building on campus also served as a place maker, creating a new gateway onto campus.

“The CIO Plan isn’t merely an aspiration or a ‘hope’ of ours, it’s a reality,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios staid in statement. “For all of us who call Middlesex County home, the CIO strategy will be a game-changer in our economy and the quality of our lives this includes improving the lives of students, faculty, and staff that work and attend Middlesex College.”

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