Auburn University Opens Culinary Science Center

Auburn University opened the $110 million Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in August of 2022 in Auburn, Ala. Designed by Cooper Carry, the 142,000-sf facility features immersive learning environments for programs in hospitality management and culinary sciences. Offering sophisticated food production and demonstration labs, the complex includes a teaching restaurant, a food hall, a microbrewery and tasting room, and a boutique hotel and spa. Incorporating six leasable residences to generate additional revenue, the vibrant structure also houses classrooms, instructional labs, collaboration spaces, and a coffee roastery and café. A publicly accessible rooftop garden supplies fresh herbs and produce to the dining and retail venues, accompanied by a bar and lounge area overlooking the hotel's luxurious infinity pool. Construction began in spring of 2020 on the facility, which was delivered by Hoar Program Management with Bailey Harris as general contractor.