HPM, a leading program management firm, and Auburn University showcased the success of the Rane Culinary Science Center at the 2025 Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) annual conference. The presentation, titled 鈥淢ining for Diamonds in a Revenue Producing Facility: A Case Study on Auburn University鈥檚 Top-Rated Rane Culinary Science Center,鈥� was led by Greg Ellis and Trent Hall from HPM and Auburn University CFO Kelli Shomaker.聽HPM served as the program manager for the project, providing聽project management support for Auburn University Facilities Management during the pre-construction and construction phases of the world-class educational and hospitality facility.
The session explored best practices for developing revenue-generating campus facilities while aligning financial sustainability with institutional goals. Attendees gained insights into key strategies such as balancing cost and revenue potential, engaging stakeholders early, and ensuring long-term adaptability for sustained impact. The SACUBO session also outlined how Auburn and HPM partnered together and navigated the complex journey from concept to completion, offering insight into the integrated planning, collaborative partnerships and problem solving that made this dual-purpose project successful.
The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 142,000-square-foot complex that facilitates hands-on, immersive learning experiences for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary sciences at Auburn who train alongside world-renowned chefs and hospitality professionals in Class-A training kitchens and restaurants. The facility also boasts Alabama’s only AAA-rated, 5-diamond hotel, The Laurel hotel and spa.
The Rane Culinary Science Center stands as a premier example of how universities can develop state-of-the-art facilities that serve both academic and commercial purposes. With collaborative planning and execution, Auburn has successfully integrated educational spaces, hospitality operations, and revenue-generating opportunities into a single, multi-purpose facility.
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About HPM
HPM provides comprehensive planning, design and construction-related experience to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner鈥檚 representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessments to construction auditing and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and industrial, higher education, K-12 and state and local government. With a footprint of accounts, projects and offices spanning throughout the US, the HPM team manages its work for national and international clients while providing a flexible, scalable team of experts at just the right time in the life of your facilities. For more information, please visit聽.
