Construction of the new Lakeside Dining Hall at Elon University is nearing completion. Scheduled to open in spring 2013, the building will house several retail vendors as well as a dining hall serving both local and international cuisine.

The retail dining area will include Freshii, a vendor offering fast, fresh food such as salads, wraps and soups, as well as several other grab-and-go options.

There is space in the retail area for a full-scale Chick-fil-A, but construction of the restaurant has been paused until a university-appointed study committee examines Elon’s partnership with the franchise. Until the committee determines whether the partnership aligns with Elon’s vendor policy, Chick-fil-A will remain open in Octagon Cafe alongside Topio’s Pizza and Grille Works.

The dining hall will provide three distinct dining experiences. An international station will feature foods and recipes from different countries and regions around the world.

“More so than ever, we’re trying to align with the goals of The Elon Commitment,” said Jeff Gazda, resident district manager for Elon Dining Services. ”If Elon is preparing global leaders, we want to expose them to international cuisine.”

The international menu will change every week to ensure students are exposed to a wide variety of cuisines.

“We want to offer an educational experience, too,” said Kate Nelson, marketing manager for Elon Dining Services. “We plan to reach out to international studies students and see if they want to coordinate any kind of programming with the menus.”

Another station will offer traditional homestyle meals, such as chicken and pasta.

“It’s comfort food,” Nelson said. “It’s similar to what Isabella’s serves.”

A local foods station will feature seasonal produce, as well as vegan and organic options. Dining Services will consider partnerships with local farms after ensuring the farms meet Elon’s health and safety criteria.

A large food preparation and storage area will support the Lakeside Dining Hall, as well as several other dining facilities on campus. The space will also support Elon’s catering services.

“This space will support the university for a good decade as it renovates and builds,” Gazda said.

A ballroom space on the second floor of the facility will provide additional space for student activities and meetings.