In a groundbreaking stride toward redefining higher education, Schoolcraft College has unveiled the $11 million renovation of its Vistatech Center, a visionary space where students and community members gather to eat, work, play, learn and do business together.
Built not just for students and faculty at Schoolcraft College but also a vibrant resource for the tens of thousands of metro Detroiters with access to the Livonia campus, the Vistatech Center is the hub of Schoolcraft’s world-renowned culinary school and the site of master chef exams offered in the United States.
A unique public-private partnership drove the transformational renovation of Vistatech Center, creating a technology-rich venue for business meetings, corporate events, innovative learning and training and culinary arts education. There is nothing else like it in higher education.
At the heart of this dynamic transformation lie three exceptional culinary establishments, each a testament to Schoolcraft’s commitment to holistic student development and community engagement: longtime mainstays American Harvest Restaurant and the Main Street Café, as well as The Craft Grille., a brand-new offering serving up pub fare. Students have the opportunity to work at the restaurants under the supervision of talented chefs within the culinary department. In addition to culinary experience, the Main Street Cafe and The Craft Grille also feature award-winning craft beers created by the Brewing and Distillation Technology program.
These restaurants provide Schoolcraft students with a real-world experience on campus, not only enhancing the campus experience for every Schoolcraft student but also knitting the greater Metro Detroit community into the college campus. The community is invited to try out all three locations.
Yet, the metamorphosis of the Vistatech Center reaches far beyond culinary boundaries. A brand new bright and open glass-walled entryway gives visitors an instant rush of senses. From smelling the beer brewing, seeing the beautiful display of pastries rising and hearing the chefs call out orders, you can feel the dynamism of a multi-use facility unique to higher education in the United States.
The Vistatech Center’s profound impact further materializes through its Collaborative Learning Studio. With studio seating, a flight of video screens and a demonstration kitchen that can be rented out for corporate events and creatively repurposed by students and staff, the space resonates with possibilities. The center also features state-of-the-art telecommunications technology, flexible furniture configurations, on-site catering services and some of the nation’s most advanced instructional kitchens. It’s safe to say the sophisticated infrastructure of the Vistatech Center will propel learning and engagement into uncharted territories.
The Vistatech Center presents a dynamic setting that can be transferred to suit various corporate events. Its adaptable spaces, modern facilities and advanced technology create an ideal backdrop for business meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences. Operating seven days a week, the Vistatech Center will serve students and the community while providing a non-traditional revenue source that helps keep Schoolcraft’s tuition rates competitive.
“The Vistatech Center embodies Schoolcraft’s vision of pushing boundaries and embracing innovation,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “This architectural marvel is not just a space, but a force that will drive our community towards a brighter future.”
The renovation is part of Cerny’s broader vision. His penchant for private sector partnerships has added to the Schoolcraft campus a surgical-medical facility operated by Trinity Health, a sports performance facility sponsored by Trinity Health, and a manufacturing company (Masco Corp.) – all offering learning and employment opportunities for Schoolcraft students while generating non-traditional revenue for the college and serving residents of Southeast Michigan.
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