--- title: Dining commons and recital hall construction progressing at Dordt University date: 2025-04-21T10:14:00-05:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dining-commons-and-recital-hall-construction-progressing-at-dordt-university" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Campus](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=campus) Apr 21, 2025 # Dining commons and recital hall construction progressing at Dordt University Dordt University’s dining commons and recital hall are progressing, with interior work accelerating after commencement to meet summer and fall deadlines. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250408_144250.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=92c58a68&v=537cf49f98233332606051fe016c9afe61576854cd0f1995b7e7042d774364b2) ![]()Dordt University's dining commons and recital hall are taking shape, with plans to accelerate construction once commencement concludes in early May. While exterior progress may appear subtle from a distance, significant strides are being made inside the dining commons. “There’s a real push right now to finish the interior,” says Vice President for University Operations Fred Verwoerd. “We need to have staff working in the space and preparing to serve meals by July, so crews are moving quickly to wrap up interior finishes and mechanical system installations.” ![A view of the dining commons](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Spring2025construction.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=ff445ee3&v=88b1c37a8d4b631dae1f66b975dd63da5d186481c22b65780bade00096114a9a) ![A view of the recital hall](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/processed-93A8F87F-439B-4F9E-9F88-8BF224411792.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=3113059a&v=1cf8c24a425ceb1d1f402ea4bab55c3ebf2c9b01fef1b89959a425984ee73463) ![A view of the recital hall](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/processed-84383B22-EBE0-42BA-8E51-F1F0573D68BC.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=67c7374b&v=d43adbe268cf288e062807f050474eb281a2bb38c108fa07d229822ce23b966c) ![A bird's eye view of the construction](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/7F916120-D2F7-4B34-914A-103D4369547E.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=ec4a1667&v=b54f709118234af8b5544754c080c4451b7cda740c4cce4745d9331299518692) Glass has been installed on the south-facing side of the dining commons, offering lovely views of the Dordt Prairie, while the north-facing glass—framing the iconic clock tower—is nearing completion. The upper level of the dining commons will serve as a welcoming space for campus visitors, offering panoramic views and expanded seating options. “It’s a space where, when we give tours of the space, we stop and let visitors take in the view,” said Verwoerd. “That visual connection between the prairie to the south and the clock tower to the north offers a powerful first impression—something that shapes a prospective student’s visit.” Next door, the recital hall is nearly enclosed, with its glass front set to be installed soon. Once enclosed, interior work will be accelerated, with a goal of completing the space by mid-fall. With large-scale mechanical systems like air handlers and kitchen ventilation in place, the projects are positioned to move forward quickly this summer. Verwoerd noted that progress wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of many hands and companies involved. “I’m really grateful for all the people who’ve worked on this project,” he says. “It’s not just been one or two companies—it’s been many people that have helped bring this to life.” --- **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 the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250214-_DSC4290.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=e5ec2b1a&v=4af8e092eaaba79921ed2c868510b732dbf55499ff03e56d310d0e9ecc08e1a3) Academics Apr 21, 2025 ## "Dordt Writes: Journal Articles" event to feature lighting talks, peer-reviewed work “As an academic institution, we want to acknowledge the contributions of our faculty members to the broader conversations within their academic disciplines,” says Kroeze Visser. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-event-on-journal-articles-to-feature-lightning-talks-peer-reviewed-work) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Art-Shows-5.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=b0a09b12&v=280eddb728e44749c4fa75fb194cdec9a486c37999f7d3ae3b3997ace4dc2cf8) Academics Arts Events Apr 18, 2025 ## Dordt University senior art students to present final exhibitions and group reception on April 24 Three Dordt University senior art students will present their final exhibitions on April 24. There will also be a group reception in the lower level of the Campus Center. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-senior-art-students-to-present-final-exhibitions-and-group-reception-on-april-24) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>