As the new student center progress gets into the final stretch, Northwest College is already preparing for another phase of construction: Turning the temporary dining center into a soccer facility.

At Thursday’s State of the College address, President Lisa Watson announced to the assembled faculty and staff that, to prepare for the switch, the Johnson Fitness Center would once again be used as the temporary dining facility until the new student center is completed.

The student center completion is still expected by the fall, as Watson said mild winter weather so far has allowed workers to proceed quickly. She noted the framing crew “has been amazing.”

“We were able to gain some time the last couple of months,” she said.

Even the one hiccup now hasn’t yet held them back. Watson said windows have been an issue, as many have been broken while being delivered, causing delays in installation. However, she said crews have still been able to proceed with interior work.

“Overall with everything else we’re still good to go,” she said.

— By Zac Taylor