“The main Brody building is a huge space,” Haskell said. “We want to create an entry point to campus that makes a statement. We’re going to build a new, unique, dynamic and interactive gathering space to try and bring MSU up to where we need to be.”

Haskell outlined a plan similar to The Gallery in Snyder-Phillips Hall, with a large dining space surrounded by different “restaurant venues.” The plans were announced to the Residence Halls Association at its meeting Nov. 12.

Venues will include a sports bar-themed grill with TVs, elevated and soothing seating by a fireplace, a “light garden” outside with plants and clear windows on the ceiling, as well as a closed-off dining area that can be reserved for groups.

Haskell said the cafeteria seats about 1,000 diners, which is more than the Brody cafeteria currently can hold.

Changes also will be made to food choices.

A stress will be put on an international-themed area with authentic ethnic offerings. There also will be a vegetarian and vegan area with no cross-contamination from nonvegan foods.

“The ‘Brojects’ have been completely phased out, which is great,” said Mark Dobson, RHA president. “I think that this is really going to redefine what it means to live in Brody. You’re going to have an area, a building that might even rival the Union or International Center in terms of usefulness to students.”

Next semester, the first floor of Brody Hall will be closed. Dining will continue as normal on the second floor, while a temporary dining space will be constructed for the 2009-10 school year.

Kinesiology senior and former Brody resident Morgan Milsop said he didn’t like the Brody cafeteria when he lived there because of its lack of variety. And despite the fact Brody residents won’t have a cafeteria of their own next year, he’s excited about the renovations.

“They had the same problem when they redid Snyder-Phillips, so I think (students) will get over it,” he said.

In the fall, major renovations will occur on the second floor while students eat in a temporary dining space on the first floor, with the full menu of food being cooked in two outside trailers. The new dining room is expected to be open to students for the 2010 fall semester.

“The construction is something that I’ll be a little worried about, but look what we’re getting,” Norman Light, the Emmons Hall representative for RHA, said. “It’ll be worth the wait, even though I probably won’t be living there, I’m still excited to see how it all comes out.”

Because of the vast amount of students who eat and live in Brody, there will not be enough dining space on the first floor, so students will be allowed to take food back to their rooms. And because there won’t be a place to clean dishes, all silverware and dishes will be disposable.

“Despite the disposable dishes, we hope to have a zero waste operation,” Haskell said. “It will be a bit inconvenient for that year, but in the long run, it will be a great option for students.”