Santa Fe High School Commons / Cafeteria Building

Vigil & Associates led the transformation of the Commons/Cafeteria building at Santa Fe High School, reimagining the space as a vibrant, multipurpose hub for dining, gathering, and student interaction. The renovated facility now features an expansive dining commons, a multifunctional platform stage, and a fully modernized commercial kitchen.

The Commons is more than just a dining hall—it’s a flexible space designed to accommodate large student assemblies and foster community. The new kitchen, 1.5 times the size of the previous facility, includes ample storage, improved workflow, and a complete wash line to support future use of reusable dishes and utensils. As a satellite kitchen for other district schools, the added capacity plays a critical role in regional food service delivery.

Among the key enhancements is the Alarm Clock Café, a separate food service outlet that supports the school’s Culinary Arts Program while generating additional revenue. The food service area now includes up to eight serving lines and an à la carte counter accessible from both inside the cafeteria and the outdoor courtyard via a garage-style door. This design innovation also helps ease congestion and improve traffic flow during peak times.

The expanded seating area blends traditional cafeteria-style furnishings with college-inspired seating options, supporting both casual dining and collaborative learning. A second entrance and new circulation pathways address former bottlenecks, while exterior awnings provide shelter and improved transitions between buildings.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were major drivers in the renovation. Enhanced insulation and efficient building systems help reduce operational costs and improve comfort year-round. Additionally, a new audiovisual-equipped stage supports school events and performances, enabling the Commons to serve as a flexible auditorium space.

These upgrades reflect Santa Fe Public Schools’ commitment to delivering modern, student-centered environments that support learning, health, and community.