Construction efforts for Dordt University’s new dining commons and B.J. Haan Auditorium expansion have begun.
Construction efforts for Dordt University’s new dining commons and B.J. Haan Auditorium expansion have begun.
In early April, construction fencing was added between the Campus Center and the B.J. Haan Auditorium, creating a safe area for initial utilities work to begin.
“In early April, earthwork will begin, and the foundation for the project will be set,” says Fred Verwoerd, vice president of operations. “Work will be contained to the area between the Campus Center and the B.J. Haan Auditorium until after commencement.”
Verwoerd says that, shortly after Dordt’s commencement on May 10, the area between the B.J. Haan Auditorium and Kuyper Apartments will be fenced off to allow for work to begin on the east side of the auditorium, in preparation for the recital hall.
Construction zones will likely cause some inconvenience on campus, says Verwoerd. “Parking will be disrupted, and roadways will be blocked at times,” he says. There will likely be some challenges with on-campus parking in the near future; still, Verwoerd says that “while we might experience short-term pain, the long-term gain will be worth it.”
Connecting the Campus Center and the B.J. Haan Auditorium, the new dining commons will hold approximately 400 people for meal service at a time and will be open to students more hours per day than the current facility allows. The new dining commons will be more centrally located on campus, and it will include an outdoor patio space.
Dordt also plans to construct a recital hall / band room, a space where musicians and others will be able to learn, practice, and perform for small audiences. This new space would seat up to 250.
It is anticipated that both projects will be completed in 2025.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
The Dordt University Theatre Arts Department will present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll's House,” directed by Professor of Theatre Arts Dr. Teresa TerHaar. Performances will be held April 24 – 27 at the Fourth Avenue Black Box Theatre in Dordt’s Theatre Arts Center.
The community is invited to the organ recital of Dordt University senior Anna Herman. The free recital will be held on Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. A public reception will follow.
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