This is an effort to modernize the program’s base of operations and create a newer, more attractive setting to lure prospective culinary students. The facility, which would be set just off of the lower end of Mount Washington Drive, would not open anytime soon, and needs some financial help with the projected 7.5 to 8 million dollar price tag, just to get off the ground.

However, COCC College Relations Director, Ron Paradis is hopeful about the facility’s future.

“The COCC Foundation is trying to raise 3.5 to 4 million dollars on its own,” said Paradis. “COCC would still have to pay the other 4 to 4.5 million itself.”

The new building would be a huge step up from the current working environment of the culinary institute. Currently, the culinary students are confined to a 1,600 square foot area that can only accommodate 20 students per year. In the new building, the students would be free to roam in a 15,000 square foot area.

The facility would include a large kitchen, a classroom, a teaching theater and a 60 seat dining room. This would be accompanied outside by an amply-sized parking lot.

Iris Powell, 20, was excited about the prospect of a culinary facility where students would prepare and serve food for the public.

“I’m as much of a foodie as a college student on a fixed income can be, so it would be interesting to see how the menu would develop based on the students’ curriculum,” said Powell.

Julian Darwin, a culinary instructor at COCC, also has high hopes for the project.

“The building would be brand new,” said Darwin. “It would have all the newest technology in it.”

Some people question the use of such a large sum of money for the culinary program. Luke Johnson, 19, is skeptical about whether the money couldn’t be used for something more useful.

“If the money for this thing makes the college look better, then I guess it’s okay,” said Johnson. “I just think it could be spent better somewhere else.”

If the funding for the building is obtained, it would be scheduled for completion by 2011. The COCC Foundation is already well on their way towards the low end of their monetary goal, having raised $2,350,000 of the minimum $3,500,000 needed. Whether or not the new facility will emerge remains to be seen, but the future looks bright for a new home for the culinary students.