"Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as the University transitions Nevada Dining facilities in the wake of the July 5 Argenta Hall explosion. The need to service our University community with quality dining opportunities continues to be realized with construction underway for 'The Den,' phase two of the University’s interim dining plans." — Romando Nash, associate vice president of Student Life Services
Created by Sprung and Cotton Logistics, the 408-seat facility will be heated and cooled for comfort and will include serving spaces and restrooms, with modular kitchens for food preparation and walk-in refrigerators and freezers designed to aid in the production of some 20,000 meals per week. The Den will look and feel like a modern dining hall with various cook-to-order stations, a breakfast nook, soup and salad bars and more. It will feature interior design elements and energy-efficient lighting, in addition to natural light and windows. The Den will be open to the entire University community and will accept the Silver Club Membership Discount.
In order for The Den to be complete before the winter months, there will be a lot of construction activity, including noise, heavy equipment, cranes and deliveries in the areas between Thompson Hall and the Jot Travis Building. Please follow posted signs and the directions of flaggers, and do not cross barriers. ADA access is available to all surrounding buildings.
The one-story facility employs aluminum arches that are 31-feet-tall, connected to an all-weather engineered membrane, creating 8-inch-thick insulated vinyl walls and a lofty ceiling. It requires a concrete foundation and utility services (electric, gas, water, sewer, firewater) and is set back from Thompson Building by approximately 17 feet. Mechanical systems will be placed on top of the kitchen module, which will be located on the south side of the site. Once up and running, noise should not affect occupants of surrounding buildings.
Once Argenta Hall and the residential dining facility are reopened, this temporary structure will be disassembled and removed. The site will be restored to pre-construction conditions, including the removal of the concrete foundation, removal of utilities and re-installation of turf and landscaping. At this time, the site is planned to remain in place until summer 2021, pending the reopening of Argenta Hall and the University’s main residential dining facility.
UPDATED: The Den is opening Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 at 10 p.m. for Late Night Breakfast. The opening event, which runs until midnight, will include a live DJ and delicious breakfast menu.
The Den will then be open to the public starting Thursday, Dec. 12. The Den's regular operating hours are:
Monday through Friday
- 7–10:30 a.m.
- 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
- 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Howler Village closed permanently at 2:30 p.m Dec. 10. The Overlook will be closing after dinner Wednesday, Dec. 11. The Late Night's location is still being determined.
Many different options were evaluated after the Argenta Hall explosion, and The Den was by far the best facility we could offer students, faculty and staff for a quality on-campus dining experience.
Further questions about on-campus dining can be directed to 775-784-6727 or cbegg@unr.edu. Questions about phase two of the overall project can be directed to the associate vice president of Student Life Services, rnash@unr.edu.
