The Stephen F. Austin State University East Dining Hall marks the University of Texas System's first mass timber building in history. The 20,000 SF, one-story structure accommodates 600 patrons with 5,000 SF of outdoor patio space. The mass timber structure showcases East Texas’s forestry resources and regional building heritage, demonstrating how sustainable, locally-sourced materials can transform campus construction practices.

KDW executed a two-phase approach, beginning with complete abatement and demolition of the existing Residence Hall 16, followed by site utilities preparation. Phase 2 encompassed mass timber erection, MEP systems installation, and comprehensive interior fit-out, including kitchen equipment coordination and furniture installation. KDW's construction team managed complex coordination between mass timber suppliers, specialty contractors, and equipment vendors to deliver this landmark project on schedule while maintaining stringent quality standards for this first-of-its-kind facility in the UT System.