Auburn University Builds Culinary Science Center

Auburn University is building the $110 million Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in Auburn, Ala. Designed by Cooper Carry to provide students with immersive learning experiences in hospitality management and culinary sciences, the 142,000-sf complex will feature food production and demonstration labs, a teaching restaurant, a brewing science center, and a luxury boutique hotel. The structure will also accommodate classrooms, instructional labs, collaboration spaces, a food hall, a café, a spa, and a rooftop garden. On the upper levels, six leasable residences will generate additional revenue for the university. The project team includes general contractor Bailey Harris Construction and Hoar Program Management. Construction began in spring of 2020 and completion is expected by summer of 2022.