FARMINGTON — One of the first steps in a 20-year master plan for the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington is a complete renovation and expansion of the Snack Bar in the Student Center.

The renovated Snack Bar, which was enlarged into the former space of the UMF Bookstore, is expected to open to students next week, UMF President Kathryn A. Foster said. It is a large, bright, flexible and functional space.

Sodexo, the new campus food service, undertook the $2 million renovation in early November and is paying for it. The additional space provides more seating and quad areas where students can socialize, study, enjoy a snack or light meal and charge their phones.

It is also open to parents and local residents, Foster said.

Sodexo, now used by all UM campuses except Orono, replaced Aramark at UMF in July.  

“It was a smooth transition and we are hearing good feedback,” Foster said.

The new space features a smoothie and juice bar, a coffee bar, a new kitchen serving items such as sandwiches and grilled food and a small convenience-type space where students can buy cans of soup, chips and beverages.  

Everything is new from the kitchen to the furniture, two fireplaces, numerous Smart televisions that can be used as computer monitors and self-order computers where students can select what they want.

Colorful photos of local spots, taken by Scott Landry of Industry, are enlarged as murals covering one wall.

The plan is to eventually bring the UMF Bookstore back to the Student Center.

Multiple campuses in the UM System are undertaking the task of developing master plans, Foster said. UMF was the first to start in 2015 and the first to complete the plan this past December.

Foster presented the plan to students, faculty and staff at a campus-wide meeting Friday before showcasing the Snack Bar to the media. She has previously made a presentation to the Farmington Board of Selectmen and the UM System board of trustees.

“It is a 20-year plan developed in 2016,” she said. “We’ll keep looking at it.”

It is the first plan since 2002. By today’s dollar, it is estimated to be a $47 million to $69 million project representing 10½ years of projects to be completed in 20 years.

The UM System will work with the state Legislature on a bond package for next November’s ballot for some initial projects, Foster said.

Some other first steps for this year include working with the town to create a “New England college-town look,” she said. That could be signs, lighting or sidewalk work along Main Street to create a link with the downtown.

Another effort is to look at athletic improvements, including those at Prescott Field and the Fitness Center. These are spaces owned and maintained by UMF but used by both the campus and the community, she said. 

A copy of the master plan is available at Mantor Library on campus.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net