Media Credit: Misha Koger Johnson Hall, the home of athletics on the main campus of Kirkwood Community College, is expanding by 20,000 feet. Renovations are expected to be completed next summer.

Media Credit: Student Media KSP News video

Johnson Hall, home to Kirkwood Community College's basketball and volleyball teams, is undergoing renovation.

Johnson Hall is expanding by 20,000 square feet. The renovation will provide a new floor, locker rooms and weight rooms.

The heating and air conditioning are being updated along with the renovation. This marks the first time Johnson Hall has been extensively renovated since being built in 1982.

The building is now under construction because the $3.25 million needed to fund the project is available, according to Tom Kaldenberg, executive director of facilities.

"The building will be renovated in two major phases," Kaldenberg said. "The first phase is the current construction, expected to be completed in April 2011. Staff will move into that area while phase two is under way."

Phase two includes improvements to the offices and the gym during the summer of 2011.

Work is planned around the Eagles athletics teams.

"They are sensitive to what we are trying to do. We are tickled pink about the new building," said Doug Wagemester, director of athletics.

Wagemester said the basketball program will be affected in the spring when it moves to a temporary location. Jill Williams, volleyball coach, said her team's schedule is being worked around as well.

The entire project should be completed by August 2011, according to Kaldenberg.

"It is going to be fun to watch as it develops," said Judy Usher, athletics department assistant.