State Gym will be open for business when students return to classes in the spring. The official opening time will be 6 a.m. Jan. 9.

“For the most part, all major construction is getting close to completion,” said Mike Giles, director of Recreation Services. “But there’s some finalization of electrical work, trim and painting left. Based on the fact that we know that we’re opening on Jan. 9, we’re right on target to make that opening.”

Those storming the facility at the crack of dawn opening day can look forward to a 40-foot climbing wall in the foyer that features 10 belaying ropes, a climbing cave and a bouldering wall on the backside.

Immediately following the rock wall is the recreational pool area. The 190,000-gallon pool is complete with diving boards, three swimming lanes, diving boards and is capable of hosting a number of water sports including basketball and polo. The rest of the room has a 24-person jacuzzi, vortex pool and a 9-foot-by-16-foot television.

“Something I think is just fantastic is the architectural aspect,” Giles said.

Because of the windows and architecture, much of the building is flooded with natural light and one can see outside from most places within the building, giving a unique effect that enables people inside to “see all the way through the building,” Giles said.

As students make their way back, they will pass through the main area, home to most of the weight-lifting equipment, specifically chosen for its versatility.

At the south end of the building are the A.V.-equipped multipurpose rooms and three full-sized basketball courts, circled above by the 1/8-mile running track. The facility also features a cycling room, a health food cafe, outdoor eating areas and a two green roofs.

The major challenge Giles sees in the near future is, in fact, an immense heap of tiny challenges. He’s looking to pound out the final details of the operation such as placing equipment, training for the emergency plans and the finishing details.

“For me, the next biggest challenge is to get all of the little things ready and prepared to go,” Giles said. “It’s easy to build an infrastructure like that, but now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty.”

The next step in the process is to increase the main facility staff to 100 to 150 new employees to the permanently operated areas.

“For the most part, we’ve hired enough people to open up the building,” Giles said. “We have hired the staff that we need, we just need to get them trained.”

The construction side is looking good as well, said construction manager Rob Ebel. Most of the primary construction is completed and they’re working on getting the facility cleaned up and making space for Rec Services to move in.

“Its getting to a good point in the project,” Ebel said. “We’re getting very close to the end, and we’re wrapping up the final details.”

Although there is a significant amount of work left to do, the whole team is optimistic about the remaining months until opening day. As the men walk through the building, they reflect on their work with a subtle glimmer of pride.

“To be over here on this corner and to look at it now, it’s all right,” Ebel said.