See inside spots on CWRU’s campus that have had a recent glow-up

Over the past few months, several spaces across the Case Western Reserve University campus underwent transformative renovations. As a result, members of the university community have access to new thoughtfully designed living and eating spaces.

Among the notable changes are last week’s opening of a new dining space on the first floor of Tomlinson Hall, and the recent unveiling of Knight Bytes, a student-centered hangout and late-night eatery in Leutner Commons. Several student housing projects also were completed to modernize living spaces for first-year students and those participating in Greek life.

“We hope these refreshed spaces become more than places to eat or grab coffee—they’re designed to support the daily rhythm of campus life,” said Christine Torrence, associate vice president of Campus Services. “By creating welcoming environments where students, faculty, and staff can gather, collaborate, recharge, and build community, Campus Services is ensuring that the essential moments between classes, research, and work are just as supported as the academic mission itself.”

Expanded dining options

The first floor of Tomlinson Hall has been redesigned and restructured to accommodate a central food service island that integrates the building’s grand interior pillars. Offices and conference rooms were gutted to accommodate more seating areas. 

In partnership with Bon Appétit Management Co., new culinary concepts have been introduced in the Tomlinson Hall space, featuring:

• Near & Far: Flavorful Mediterranean dishes (accepts meal swipes and retail).
• Roast & Pour: Artisanal coffee, espresso and fresh bakery items (accepts meal swipes and retail).
• Sweet & Savory: Gelato and crêpes as well as gourmet s’mores sourced locally from Chocolate Emporium, featuring gluten-free graham crackers, kosher marshmallows and vegan/kosher chocolate options.
• Frozen & Fruity: Smoothie bar

Contactless ordering and payment have been integrated into the experience, with the option to order through the Transact Mobile app and self-service kiosks, with pickup located in cubbies. Coffee orders also can be placed at the counter.

The update came as part of Dining Services’ larger food service plan to increase efficiency, consolidate spaces and introduce new concepts. The first floor of Tomlinson Hall was selected for a new facility to better serve faculty, staff and students on Case Quad. The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building opening later this fall also will feature a fully branded Caribou Coffee location, which is expected to begin service in mid-November. As a result of the added coffee and bakery options on Case Quad, the cafe in Crawford Hall has closed.

The Starbucks in The Village at 115th also was refreshed as part of contractual franchise requirements, and Nitro Cold Brew options have been added to the menu.

Enhanced student-life offerings

Undergraduate students, particularly those living in the North Residential Village, continue to drive changes to the student spaces in the lower level of Leutner Commons. Students had expressed a desire for more ping pong and pool tables, and when those new additions were met with positive feedback, Campus Services and Student Services committed to further revitalize “The Spot,” Fireside Lounge and Knight Bytes. 

The updates include a shuffleboard table, bubble hockey game, skee-ball and a pinball machine. Additionally, there is a space for students to check out video game consoles for use on a television in the room.

Spherical lights that hang from the ceiling were updated to change colors intermittently to add to the fun.

Open from 6 p.m. to midnight, students also can order food to take elsewhere or eat in at one of the many tables. The menu features house-smoked barbecue, stone-oven pizza, smoothies, sandwiches and more. Ordering is not required to visit, though; students are welcome to come to Knight Bytes just to hangout with friends.

The Fireside Lounge side of the space was also refreshed with new paint, carpet and modular seating options to create a more inviting and comfortable space for students.

Upgraded student living

Several other projects across campus are focused on enhancing the student experience. 

Part of a broader effort to revamp residential spaces in North Residential Village, Sherman and Tyler Houses underwent renovations over the summer. As a result, first-year students living in these residence halls were welcomed to campus with transformed community dens, multi-tiered study areas and specialty wellness and creative hubs.

In the summer of 2025, the Office of University Housing launched a pilot project, through which Norton House was renovated. After the successful completion of the project, the office committed to updating two first-year residence halls each summer in the North Residential Village. The project will continue during the summer of 2027 with Raymond and Storrs Houses.

“We prioritized first-year halls because the first year is the most critical window for student transition, retention and community building,” said Vern Rogers, executive director of university housing. 

Members of Kappa Alpha Theta also have a fresh space to call home at 11136 Magnolia Road, the flagship milestone in university housing’s long-term strategy to revitalize the fraternity and sorority living experience. The move signifies a shift from aging, 1960s-era facility models to authentic living spaces for Greek organizations along Magnolia Road. Two additional chapter houses will open in summer 2027.

“Revitalizing Greek housing addresses a long-standing need to provide our fraternity and sorority communities with facilities that match the caliber of their campus involvement,” said Rogers. “This approach provides distinctive spaces that foster chapter identity, leadership and community success.”

Capital and renovation priorities are determined based on student developmental needs and data with a focus on equity. After completing many upper-class residential spaces in South Residential Village and the Village at 115, the university pivoted to North Residential Village and Greek housing after many decades untouched.

Improved facility experiences

Tinkham Veale University Center also was the target of some upgrades. Following surveys with students, the team at Tinkham Veale University Center found the space needed additional seating options and improved access to power sources.

Now, the picnic tables just outside of the building have power options. The facility’s popular wingback chairs also were reupholstered with power outlets. 

Next, the team looks to update the audio and visual system in the ballroom to better support events hosted in that space.

Additional seating also is expected to arrive in the cafe area of the building over winter break.