Case Studies, Healthcare /
Continuity of Care Through Renovation with a Temporary Hospital Kitchen
Client
Harvard University
The Need
Accelerated delivery of a complete modular kitchen to support displaced dining operations during campus renovations.
The Solution
Early delivery, police-escorted transport through Cambridge, precision site prep, and efficient multi-level operations.
As part of Harvard University’s House Renewal program, renovations to Eliot House displaced the shared kitchen serving Eliot and Kirkland House, creating an urgent need for a temporary solution that could sustain high-volume campus dining. Kitchens To Go was tasked with delivering a complete modular kitchen on an accelerated timeline, and when Harvard requested delivery two weeks ahead of schedule, the team worked extended hours and weekends to deliver the units early, fully operational, and ready for service.
The installation required careful coordination and precise execution. Located in a dense area of Cambridge, the site posed logistical challenges including narrow roads, sharp turns, and limited access. Kitchens To Go worked closely with Harvard and the Cambridge Police Department to coordinate an early morning delivery, with police escorting the units through the city and into position. The team also engineered the kitchen to integrate across three different levels, aligning floor heights within exact tolerances to support seamless cart movement and efficient workflow.
Beyond maintaining dining operations, the temporary kitchen improved them. The setup provided more space and upgraded equipment, allowing staff to prepare more complex menus and enhance food quality during the renovation. Through strong collaboration with Harvard, the general contractor, and internal teams, Kitchens To Go delivered ahead of schedule, overcame significant logistical constraints, and helped elevate the campus dining experience during a critical period of transformation.
Kitchens To Go provides mobile, modular and containerized solutions for projects of any timeframe. Markets and conditions are changing constantly, however, so please connect with us to find out what options are currently available for your project’s need and timeline.
