Northern gym renovations move forward

The Montana Board of Regents must be excited about their meeting at Montana State University-Northern in a few weeks. They held a conference call meeting on Friday, just to talk about the university.

During the conference call, the regents agreed to lease the athletic complex to the MSU-Northern Foundation, so they can make several upgrades this summer.

"This is pretty exciting, " Shauna Albrecht, the foundation's executive director, said. "And this is just the first phase of the gym projects. "

The first phase will bring a new gym floor, new bleachers and redone side baskets.

Future phases will increase handicap accessibility and add new workout equipment and concessions areas.

Albrecht explained that the lease allows the Foundation to spend private money on the project, while leaving Northern in control of the building.

The athletic complex renovations are one part of Northern's plan to spruce itself up this summer, for a fresh start to the next school year.

"We're looking forward to seeing some things happen on campus, " Albrecht said.