The Trolley Stop at Lafayette College

Located at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, BKP designed the Trolley Stop, a full-service restaurant that welcomes college students and staff and all community members who wants to enjoy a “home-style diner classic featuring ingredients from local farmers and makers from across the Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountains.” BKP helped the college in fulfilling their goal of lowering the diner’s carbon footprint by incorporating sustainable design features. For example, the kitchen is outfitted with a biodigester which reduces 100% of the food waste from landfills. The bricks incorporated into the diner were salvaged from the buildings that were previously located on the site.

The black and white porcelain tile floors create a pattern that helps to define circulation and is reflected in the acoustical wood slat ceilings above. Additional acoustical treatment was given the the ceiling slab to provide a separation from the busy diner and student dorm rooms above. Design features also include all gender restrooms, and an exterior patio dining.

Throughout the design process, BKP paid attention to the historical aspects of Easton and the Lafayette College. The diner’s name —the Trolley Stop —celebrates the history of the Easton community since it is named after the historic trolley which used to run up the College Hill. It was opened in 1888, making Easton the third city in the United States to get an electric trolley system after Scranton and Baltimore.

MEDIA COVERAGE

Lafayette College opening new diner this weekend, and it’s not just for students

New diner ‘The Trolley Stop’ coming this fall, will feature breakfast options, specialty dishes