Trustees Approve Fitness, Health And Wellness Center Construction
Construction of the new Fitness, Health and Wellness Center is scheduled to begin in June 2008. Trustees approved the $14.75 million project at their May 10, 2008, meeting in Brunswick.
Plans call for a four-level, 44,659 square feet addition to the Morrell Gym complex that will dedicate a shared facility to benefit mind, body and spirit practices by housing exercise rooms along with centers for health and wellness. Consistent with the College’s ongoing sustainability efforts, the project will seek LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) certification.
The new addition, which will replace a structure currently housing athletic department offices, will be sheathed in glass — reflecting the campus day and night, forming what the architect describes as a literal and figurative lantern: a beacon of fitness, health and wellness for the campus community.
The new Fitness, Health and Wellness Center is expected to be completed by August 2009. Its construction is the latest example of how Bowdoin and its physical campus are evolving to meet the demands of today’s students and campus community.
The new Center dedicates two full floors to fitness, comprising more than 14,000 square feet.
Taking the place of the existing Watson Fitness Center, this new exercise facility, with an expanded number of cardio machines, free weight areas and a three-story rock climbing wall, more than triples the amount of exercise space currently provided.
In 1995 when Watson Fitness Center opened, the College did not fully anticipate the explosion of students, faculty and staff dedicated to fitness and wellness.
No sooner was the renovation completed than the space it provided was found to be inadequate.
The new Fitness, Health and Wellness Center provided ample opportunity to pursue and realize health and wellness objectives.
The areas devoted to physical fitness will be located on the ground level and first floor.
Tags: amp, center construction, energy efficient design, exercise facility, h center, health and wellness center, renovation, square feet0
