Martin Commons makes debut

Lottie Nelson Dining Hall just got a little bigger. The Martin Commons, a 250-seat addition to Lottie, opened its doors March 30. An alternative dining area for students, the space also serves as a venue for campus events and visitors. The generosity of Jim and Donna Martin, their family as well as other donors to this vital project made the venue a reality.

“The addition of the Martin Commons not only gives additional space for students to gather at meal times, it provides an aesthetically beautiful room where the College can host many guests at various events,” said Kathie Shafer, vice president for operations.

With the addition of this space, catering and culinary options have expanded. “The Martin Commons offers us a dining space that is directly connected to the kitchen, ensuring the highest quality of freshly prepared foods. So many events that we provide require the transport of equipment, service ware, food, beverages and supplies to offsite locations,” said Mark Wirtz, director of dining services. “It is wonderful that we can serve an event of 250 in-house.”

In April, the venue hosted several members of the Martin family, for whom the Commons is named, at a Messiah College Business Alumni Breakfast. Discussing the topic “Sustaining a Christ-Centered Business in a Changing World,” the family talked about the processes, challenges and rewards of operating a family business.

— Maddie Waller ’18