A 16,000+ square-foot former warehouse is being transformed into an efficient central kitchen for Lodi Unified School District. The kitchen will streamline the provision of more than 3,000 meals a day to schools throughout the area.

The inside of the building is gutted and parts of the slab foundation are removed to place a new wasteline. There’s a new recessed area for a walk-in fridge and freezer, and the space will include a conference room, cafe, shipping and receiving dock and a dry-goods room.

The main entrance is also getting a fresh look, including metal panels and an updated paint scheme.