LP renovations include impressive updates to culinary arts classroom

If you’ve walked past the culinary room, you may have noticed something different.
As of the 2024-25 school year, the family and consumer sciences department has renovated the West Campus culinary classrooms. The update came from a need to replace old appliances and improve the design to become more spacious.
“Prior to the renovation the space was small, crammed, and looked more like a residential kitchen,” Famiily and Consumer Sciences teacher Ms. Kristen Downey said.
“With the goal of setting students up for career pathways, a main factor kept in mind was to open up the classroom and get students comfortable with industry grade appliances. The design of the room supports better workflow and safety, teaching our students the importance of efficiency, hygiene, and organization-key skills they’ll need in future culinary careers.”
The culinary department’s main goal is to better prepare students for postsecondary culinary programs and careers in the food and beverage industry.
By adding new equipment and adjusting the classroom layout, students are able to have a more hands-on experience. Furthermore the thoughtfully redesigned space provides more workstations helping students understand the importance of organized workflow.
Working with high quality tools and appliances, students are able to improve their technical skills and appliances to become experienced in a professional kitchen. Some features include a new professional grade stovetop griddle, enhanced ventilation, improved storage solutions, and dedicated spaces for clean up and food prep.
So far the renovations have gained much positive feedback. Students seem excited to take advantage of the new resources and get cooking.
“We believe students see the value in the potential and are motivated by the modern space as it makes their experience feel more authentic and connected to culinary related careers,” said Ms. Downey.
West Campus staff have even indulged in the new space when participating as judges in culinary competitions, including muffins and grilled cheese.