After what feels like the longest time, Common Grounds has finally re-opened! Construction finished only slightly behind schedule and has brought back a campus-wide favorite. Now merged with the new University Commons, Common Grounds has more than ever for students to enjoy. This includes fancy new blue and white couches that wrap around the Commons like a snake, whiteboard walls that can be written and drawn on, a wide open space with lots of room, and connections to the main hallway of the University Commons, making it a popular hang-out spot for current students and a great attention grabber for prospective visitors.
The official opening ceremony was held on Oct. 3, just a week before Homecoming weekend. The new and improved Common Grounds space will likely draw lots of attention from alumni who know and love the campus’s coffee shop; for now, it is enjoyed by new and old students alike. A current Sophomore, Aidan Yoder, said, “While I didn’t spend that much time in the old space last year, I definitely missed not being able to go study and get a drink this past month. There’s a lot more space and seating in the new area, I really like it so far!” Tyler Goss, a self-proclaimed regular at Common Grounds, stated that, “I’m not a huge coffee fan, but I love to come in to buy gift cards for students! I love the openness of the new space, with the high ceilings and colorful mural to look at across the hall. I can definitely tell that the Common Grounds spirit is still here!”
The renovated kitchen for making drinks is also renovated, featuring a more efficient assembly-line-like design, better espresso and dishwashing machines (coming in the near future), and even wooden shelves made from the trees of Park Woods. It certainly still holds the vibes of old Common Grounds while being a better and more efficient working environment for baristas
During the opening ceremony, EMU President Susan Schultz Huxman had a few words to share about community and what a gift this new space is for the students. “We have come together with sustained purpose and optimism to make this possible,” she said in her speech. “This may be the fastest renovation of a major building on campus, ever.” Shortly after the opening speech, Susan and one of the Common Grounds managers, Merry Yirga, cut the opening ribbon, officially declaring the campus coffee shop open for business!
Serving free coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider for its first hour or two after opening, Common Grounds quickly had a line all the way to the back of the space. Although they are no longer serving free drinks, they can be found on the second floor of University Commons where the old bookstore used to be. So stop in, grab a drink, and enjoy the new Common Grounds space!
