Drive through the heart of Auburn—and you’ll likely find yourself in the midst of construction. It would seem that the Loveliest Village on the Plains renovates itself repeatedly, which is good news for us! Another lively addition will soon grace our city: the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Currently under construction, the full-service hospitality center is slated to open sometime in 2021!
The Center’s Roots
A vision more than 10 years old, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center came from an educational need. While Auburn University boasts a healthy Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management program, it does not have a facility to match. The center now being built on the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street seeks to remedy that issue.
The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center owes its name to Tony and Libba Rane, a couple who embodied entrepreneurial vitality. Tony Rane came from a humble Italian household, but achieved success in multiple ventures: retail, restaurants, and hotels. Supported by Libba, the Rane family found fulfillment in cooking, country, and family.
About the Center
Once completed, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will house a world-class hotel and spa, a crown jewel in hospitality education in Auburn’s heart. Touted as the world’s first culinary science facility of its kind, the center will be the U.S.’s singular five-star, five-diamond training hotel.
The center’s features range from full-service spa to yoga studio. It also boasts 32 rooms, a wellness center, and rooftop pool and garden. The educational facilities include a media studio for food and beverage, coffee bar and roastery, brewing lab, and wine room. Developed with a dual purpose in mind, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center serves as both a community hub and educational institution. This way, Auburn University students receive hands-on, experiential training in the hospitality industry.
Summary
The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will soon join the Auburn University campus community, adding further clout to Alabama’s only accredited hospitality program. It’s an exciting time in the lifespan of Auburn—and a great new addition to the community!
Speaking of community, the Auburn area has a welcoming one. We are home of the Auburn family, after all! If you’re looking to join ours in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin areas, fill out this form to get in touch. Need to sell? Ryan Roberts handles that too! Whatever your real estate needs may be, let him get to work for you. And to hear more about what’s happening in our area, keep returning to our blog!