A lot of construction has been done in the recent months. Many students and faculty have probably heard the noise from the construction tools or machinery and wondering what exactly is happening on campus?

There are three main renovation zones in progress at NKU; the recreation center, Norse Commons and Northern Terrace.

The recreation center was originally built in the 1980s for 6,000 students, with NKU being a growing campus.

“With its current 16,000 students, the recreation center is simply not big enough,” Dean Jeffrey Waple said.

The new center will have an open design with glass walls, which will enlarge the building. The finished building will include a multipurpose court, enlarged swimming pool, a walk in pool with diving well and a large spa. Other amenities include a lounge area and workout facilities. The Albright Health Center is open during renovation.

While the rec center is undergoing renovations, the construction at Norse Commons, the residence dining hall and center for the Housing office, has been completed. The building, which was constructed in the 1980s, was in need of renovations, which were completed before the building opened on Aug.16.

The newly opened dining hall features a salad bar, all-day breakfast bar and TV screens sporting the meal options for each station.

New seating was added, including furniture made from recycled products and an outdoor eating area. Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management Larry Blake described the overall plan for Norse Commons as a “dining experience instead of eating at a cafeteria.”

NKU recently completed a third construction project, the newly renovated Northern Terrace residence hall. The off-campus dorm, which used to be a retirement home, was the most sought-after choice for housing among students this past school year.

Northern Terrace features suite-style rooms that house four students. Each room is furnished with two full bathrooms and moveable furniture, which gives students more freedom when choosing their room layout. Other dorm amenities include two kitchens and laundry facilities as well as a computer lab.