Northwest University could have a new gymnasium pavilion and a sparkling new tennis center by 2020, according to a university master plan released as part of an open house on March 30.

Athletic updates and a focus on the southeast corner of the campus appear to be central to the university’s master plan, with two new plazas planned between buildings.

The tennis center, which would be the first of nine construction phases stretching to 2037, could begin construction as early as 2017.

The planned facility would sit along the southwest corner of the campus, and would feature six indoor tennis courts with restrooms and locker rooms in the center of the building, and would also have an indoor running track on the eastern end.

The second phase would be the reconstruction of the current gymnasium pavilion, which university officials have said is too small for athletic events.

The new pavilion would have collapsible seating on all four sides with a main court in the center of the central space, and a separate configuration for three practice courts with seating folded away.

The proposed pavilion is expected to have a capacity of about 950 seats — over 600 more than the current setup.

The athletic plaza rests in the space between the pavilion, the tennis center and a planned fitness center, which would be built between 2022 and 2024, according to the plan.

There would also be a campus commons plaza, surrounding a new welcome center.

The outdoor athletic fields are also to be updated and expanded in the master plan. The plan includes two adjacent artificial turf soccer fields with a walking path surrounding the facility, and a fieldhouse for athletic training and restrooms. A 6-foot brick or stone fence would surround the northern end of the facility.

The athletic fields also include plans for softball markings. The Eagles currently play home softball games at Everest Park, but the university hopes to move games on campus should the plan be adopted.

Additions to the existing campus chapel could take place between 2021 and 2024. A new residence hall and additions to the commons plaza could come between 2029 and 2032.

The Ness building plan comes in three phases. Phase one would replace the current theater between 2031 and 2034, while phases two and three would replace existing academic buildings before 2037.

The university is scheduled to hold a second open house on May 9 to discuss refined concepts and community input following the first meeting. The university hopes to submit the master plan to the City of Kirkland in June.