U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alexia Riveracorrea From left to right Ensign Michael McLaughlin, Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Michael Miller, Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Robert E. Clark II and Capt. Glen Stafford participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the academy’s Midshipmen Activities Center. The Midshipmen Activities Center opened recently after a year of planning and construction.

The project began in summer 2009 with midshipmen from the Class of 2010 playing an integral role in defining the objective and design of the space in conjunction with the architectural firm BRPH Companies Inc.

Construction began in fall 2009. Doyon Government Group and Tuckmann-Barbee Construction Company made up the construction team. The center was completed earlier this month, coming in at just over $1 million, approximately $132 thousand under budget.

‘‘I salute our contracting team and public works team, not just for the quality of construction; but also being able to bring it in under budget,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Michael Miller at the opening ceremony Aug. 9.

Located in Dahlgren Hall, the center provides space for up to 180 midshipmen to come together for study groups and extracurricular meetings or to socialize. The space sports five flat-screen televisions capable of use as projection screens, extensive seating, and games tables including shuffleboard and billiards. Electronic gaming connectivity will be installed by the end of the year, and other amenities such as wireless internet are being considered.

There are tentative plans to further expand the activity center to allow up to 800 midshipmen to use the space simultaneously.

It is only fitting that the center be located near the very spot where then President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in 1906 commemorating the internment of John Paul Jones at the Naval Academy, said Miller.

During that speech, Roosevelt spoke on the necessity of maintaining a strong naval force and fostering pride, dedication and courage in future officers.

The Midshipmen Activities Center will help continue to build teamwork among midshipmen, allowing them a space to come together to think about and discuss what they learn in their academic classes, said Miller.

‘‘Some of the greatest lessons I had were not just from my instructors but from my own shipmates,” he said. ‘‘My thanks to the construction team for putting together such a magnificent and fitting tribute to our midshipmen. May it stand for many years, and may it be the host for many great ideas.”