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Framed by steel above and behind him in the new fitness center’s atrium, a construction worker stands on the ramp that will lead from the second level of the center to Alumni Hall, the building at left.
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Construction of the College’s new 23,000-square-foot fitness center on the Main Campus is more than two-thirds complete and the facility is on schedule for a projected opening of August 7, according to Mark Rapoza, director of capital projects and facilities planning.
“We are moving toward that date. That’s when the varsity athletes return for the fall season,” said Rapoza, who is overseeing the $12 million project, along with another $3 million in related renovations in Alumni Hall.
The biggest enhancement of late is the installation of glass on the exterior facade of the fitness center. Other recent work that has been accomplished includes the installation of utilities including electricity, the framing of interior spaces, the completion of the atrium’s steel and concrete work, and the roof.
When the interior work is completed, the focus will shift to exterior site work and what Rapoza refers to as the “commissioning”—or testing—of interior systems such as air and exhaust.
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This image captures a look at a portion of what will be the first-level cardiovascular and aerobics area, with the interior glass of the fitness center in the background. The picture was taken from the second level. On the right side of the image is the overhang of the cardio-fitness area that will take up a large part of the second level.
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Once completed, the center will feature state-of-the-art fitness and training facilities. The first level will be highlighted by an expansive area with cardiovascular and aerobic exercise equipment for the College community and a 5,100-square-foot weight-training and strengthening room for varsity student-athletes. The second level will include areas for cardio-fitness equipment and free weights.
A new ticket office will be located just inside an entrance to Alumni Hall from the atrium of the fitness center on the first level. Along the Alumni Hall side of the atrium will be several display cases showcasing athletics and other memorabilia.
Second-level highlights will be an observation deck overlooking the artificial-turf playing field and a large room on the opposite (Alumni Hall) side that can be reserved for meetings and other functions. This room, which can be partitioned to accommodate two functions at once, will overlook the atrium. For a live Web cam look at the center, click here.