Rave reviews for the University of Windsor's new Lancer Sport and Recreation Centre.
"I'll be one of the first guys on the side cheering and clapping and saying we did it, we did it, we did it," says University student Nicolas Reid.
The university along with project leaders and architects held an open house on Wednesday at the CAW Student Centre to show students the design plans and renderings of the $73-million project.
The new building will be integrated with the current St. Denis Centre and will include a triple gymnasium, a new pool, a fitness centre and several multi-purpose areas.
Reid says pushed for the project last year.
"It's been a long time in the making and the fact that we are actually able to see it in the diagrams and displays is absolutely amazing and a dream come true," says Reid.
Design plans for the University of Windsor's new Recreation Centre, February 28, 2018. (Photo by AM800's Rob Hindi)
Reid is originally from Ottawa and believes the new complex will bring more students to the university.
"We need to update this facility and as one of those students who came, I'm more than excited to see all the future Lancers that come because of this," says Reid.
In a February 2017 referendum vote, students voted in favour of the new building.
The University has agreed to fund $18-million towards the project, while students attending the University will contribute $55-million over the next 30-years.
The University says it will fund all operational costs over the lifetime of the building.
Construction is expected to begin in the early spring of 2019 with a completion set for fall 2021.