Rane Culinary Science Center project moving forward

The Auburn University Board of Trustees approved a final budget for the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at its Feb. 7 meeting at Auburn University at Montgomery.

The approval of the $110 million budget clears the way for construction of the facility to begin.

The future home of Auburn’s hospitality management program in the College of Human Sciences will provide students interested in hospitality and culinary sciences with hands-on learning experiences in a teaching hotel and a teaching restaurant, as well as a range of classrooms and demonstration and food production laboratories.

“The Rane Culinary Science Center will allow the College of Human Sciences to train students at a unique level, enabling them to enter the hospitality environment around the world quickly and make an immediate impact,” said Dean Susan Hubbard. “It is a game changer.”

Construction underway on South College Street and Thach Avenue will bring infrastructure to the property site adjacent to The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

“Most universities offering hotel and restaurant management degrees are known for something, whether it be wine or food or lodging, but to have all of this in one site, giving students hands-on experience in all areas, is truly phenomenal and very good for Auburn,” added Martin O’Neill, head of the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management.

The project cost will be covered from gifts to the College of Human Sciences, university general funds and revenue from the hotel, restaurant, a food hall and leased living units. The Rane Culinary Science Center will be the first revenue-generating academic building at Auburn. It is expected to be open in fall 2022.