Concordia’s Janzow Campus Center undergoes major renovations

Concordia students returning to campus this fall found the Janzow Campus Center sporting a new look. A nearly $1 million renovation to the upper and lower floors began in May and was unveiled in August.

“The students have really been the key driver of this project,” said Chief Financial Officer Dave Kumm. “We have done small projects within the facility the last couple years. This is the first major project where we are making big changes in the student-related areas.”

The biggest renovation was the addition of a grill-style dining area, named the Dog House Grill. The Dog House is decorated with Concordia memorabilia and its menu features gourmet burgers, veggie burgers, chicken wings and hand-dipped milkshakes. The grill stays open later in the evenings than the current cafeteria, closing as late as midnight on certain days.

The lower level of Janzow also has a revamped game room and an area near the bookstore for students to gather.

The top floor lounge features new furniture, flat screen TVs and stonework wall partitions complete with a gas fireplace. The lounge is open 24-hours a day through key card access to the building. The student-operated coffee shop remains in its location across from the lounge.

Chartwells, Concordia’s current on-campus dining contractor, made a $600,000 investment into the project, which covered the cost of the new grill facility. Kumm said the Chartwells investment was motivation for the entire project to move forward.

Kumm is confident that the Janzow upgrades will help students both socially and academically. “This will enhance the Concordia student experience to new levels,” said Kumm.