The construction was completed in three phases, according to Wagemester.

The first phase involved additions to the south side and the west side that were built while the building was still occupied. An audio/visual room was added, Wagemester said, along with a new classroom for athletic training.

Two new locker rooms were added, bringing the total to four, according to Athletic Department assistant Judy Usher, and the baseball and softball teams gained new lockers.

The second phase involved revamping the office suite as well as the lobby and concession area. The old building had three offices to accommodate six sports but now the remodeled building has enough offices for all the coaches, Usher said.  The baseball and softball offices have windows that face the fields that are just across the street.

The lobby received a new floor, lighting and doors, and the concession stand was upgraded, Usher said.

During the third phase, the athletes and coaches moved into the addition while major renovations took place in the gym area. The old floor was replaced by a special resilient floor, Usher said.  The walls received a fresh coat of paint.  New bleachers that spell out "Eagles" and new lights were installed.

In addition, the old crow's nest was replaced by a press box that Kirkwood Student Productions can use to broadcast sporting events.

The baseball, softball and golf teams also benefit from the renovations, Usher said. New features include a putting simulation area for the golf team that can be used on rainy days. The baseball and softball teams have a new indoor hitting area for practice.

A new, larger weight room was added along with new lifting equipment. Five new trophy cases were also installed.

This marks the first major renovation Johnson Hall has undergone since opening in February 1982.

"The new facility will help with the recruiting in the future," Usher said.  "It's a showcase from the moment you walk in the door."

She noted that athletes have visited from other schools and expressed how nice the new facility was.

"On behalf of all the coaches and athletes, we are just super excited about the whole project,"  Wagemester said.