An era of campus life is coming to a close at Dordt University, as the longtime Commons building is being taken down this spring.
The Commons, which first opened in February of 1964, has been a central gathering place on Dordt’s campus for more than six decades. In early January, construction crews began dismantling the interior of the building. Demolition of the exterior is scheduled for late February into early March, largely while students are off campus for spring break.
For generations of Dordt students, the Commons was more than just a dining hall. It served as a daily meeting point — a place to grab meals between classes, linger in conversation with friends, and build relationships that became part of the Dordt experience.
The transition comes as Dordt’s new dining and community space, The Atrium, is now fully operational. Since opening this past fall, The Atrium has quickly become the center of campus life, designed intentionally to support both dining and connection. The space offers areas for studying, gathering, and community-building, reflecting how students interact on campus today.
With The Atrium in use, the university is officially beginning the next chapter by retiring the Commons after more than 60 years of service.
“The Commons has been a hub of community and holds so many memories for generations of Dordt students,” said Derek Buteyn, associate dean of students. “At the same time, we’re already seeing how The Atrium is enhancing daily life for students—creating space not just to eat, but to connect, study, and build community together.”
The featured photo is courtesy of Dordt University
