SAN LUIS OBISPO — Following months of campus feedback, Cal Poly has renamed its Campus Dining complex (Building No. 19) 1901 Marketplace, a nod at the university’s founding year and in recognition of what the reimagined facility will become.
The renaming of the university’s longest serving dining facility, the former home of The Avenue and 805 Kitchen, is part of a major renovation that will create a gathering place at the center of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing culture.
“Filled with new opportunities and culinary experiences, the renovated 1901 Marketplace will take the humble cafeteria that it has so faithfully been for so many years and turn it into a community space where visitors can nourish more than their appetites,” Cal Poly Corporation CEO Cody VanDorn said.
Part of Cal Poly Corporation’s $80 million investment in the campus, the reimagined 1901 Marketplace is the most recent step in improving the student experience. It will be home to nine separate food venues, including some Campus Dining originals as well as national favorites like The Habit Burger Grill, Chick-fil-A and Panda Express.
The venues at 1901 Marketplace will each focus on a unique culinary niche, with healthy, allergen-free and customizable options. Campus Dining plans to introduce a variety of new in-house concepts, such as Mediterranean, Mexican and sandwich choices. The facility will also house a large community space that will feature local shops pop-ups, vendors and Cal Poly groups. Additionally, to take advantage of the temperate San Luis Obispo weather, there will be plentiful outdoor seating.
Cal Poly’s commitment to sustainability remains a top priority. 1901 Marketplace is being built to LEED Gold certification standards with a sustainable and resource-efficient design. Conservation efforts throughout the facility will focus on water and energy conservation with large windows, low-flow taps, and a comprehensive energy-efficient design to keep the building’s carbon footprint low.
Construction began in spring 2021, and completion is planned for spring 2023 with the opening of a fully operational 1901 Marketplace at the beginning of fall quarter 2023. More information and updates are available at 1901.calpolycorporation.org/.
