Renovation Begins on One of South Georgia's Largest Dining Halls

Online, March 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Students eating at Donaldson Dining Hall, located in the center of the Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC), will enjoy a completely renovated facility when they return for classes this fall. Preconstruction has begun on the building and, to minimize congestion, extensive construction will begin after classes end for this spring semester.

Donaldson Hall, built in 1961, was remodeled and a new kitchen added in 1977-78, bringing the total square footage to approximately 29,000 gross square feet. The main dining area, restrooms and dish return station, total approximately 13,000 square feet make it one of the largest dining halls in south Georgia.

"The facilities have not been remodeled since 1978 and these areas are outdated in design and furnishings, inefficient and in much need of renovation," said Rodney Smith, senior vice president of Parrish Construction Group. "As the only student food service facility on campus, it is crucial that it is functional and be fully updated to better serve the almost 4,000 students who attend ABAC each semester."

Parrish Construction Group, specializing in academic, commercial and industrial projects was awarded this project for the Board of Regents on the ABAC campus in Tifton earlier this month. Parrish will be working closely with architect Rusty McCall, Jr. of McCall & Associates, Inc. The renovation project will ensure that all existing mechanical, plumbing and other building systems are in sound condition. Restrooms will be renovated with new fixtures and lighting. A new energy efficient lighting system will be installed within the dining area.

"It was long overdue," Donaldson Dining Hall Director Kurt Hoffman said recently. "The old layout was dated, but with the renovation and modernization of the facilities we can keep up with the changing trends and tastes of the students."

The current HVAC will also be re-designed and renovated to achieve better energy efficiency. The existing single pane storefront system will be renovated by replacing the windows and doors with energy efficient glass and frames.

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About Parrish Construction Group:
Parrish Construction Group is a mid-sized, full-service contractor with expertise in facility planning, preconstruction, construction management at-risk, general contracting and design build services. The firm specializes in academic, commercial and industrial projects for the public and private sectors. Parrish Construction Group expanded operations and established a new office in Alpharetta in 2010, serving the metro Atlanta and North Georgia markets. The firm was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Perry, Georgia. Average firm revenues exceed $60 million annually. For additional information visit www.parrishconstruction.com.