Northwest College President Lisa Watson marked the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the new student center as a transition — from demolition to building.

Board members, administration, representatives from the contractor, the state and area mayors and legislators gathered to celebrate the construction recently underway on the new student center. Work started over the winter with demolition of the old student center.

"It's nice to note the shift from demolition to construction," Watson said.

Board chair Mark Wurzel noted the friendship students his family hosts, a couple of Brazilian soccer players, were even impressed by how quickly the construction has been progressing.

"I'm proud to say that this is a building that will serve us well for years to come," Watson said, adding, "Projects like this create persistent energy and we'll keep that persistent energy going. Show students we're doing a good work they can benefit from in the future."

Work on the overall $23,421,663 project, designed by Hord Coplan Macht, began in January with demolition of the nearly 60-year-old DeWitt Student Center. The new, two-floor, 35,220-square foot facility is scheduled to open in August of 2024. Located on the same footprint as the DeWitt Student Center, the building will house NWC’s dining hall and food service operations in addition to a coffee bar, student lounge, student activities center, and state-of-the-art study and instructional spaces. Offices for resident life, campus security and student success, an area for student clubs and a multi-purpose community meeting room are also included.