A rendering shows where the planned fitness center, at left, will be located in relation to the athletic-turf field, alongside the Peterson Recreation Center.

• Two-level facility will significantly enhance health and wellness amenities for campus community
• Three-story glass atrium will provide common entrance to three existing campus structures
• Extensive renovations to Alumni Hall athletic facilities included in project
• Construction to begin June 2006 and continue for about 65 weeks
  

Providence, RI -- Providence College will break ground this spring on a 23,000-square-foot, two-level fitness center addition to the Peterson Recreation Center and Alumni Hall. The fitness center will feature a three-story glass atrium and a new, unified main entrance to the Slavin Center (student union building), Alumni Hall (athletic offices and Mullaney Gymnasium), the Peterson Recreation Center (field house), and the center itself. The project's architect is SMMA/Hoskins Scott, which designed the College's Master Space Plan and the Suites Hall residence facility.

Intended for use by the general student body, student-athletes, faculty, and staff, the new fitness center will provide approximately 11,500 square feet of space on the first level for cardiovascular and aerobic exercise equipment. One area of the first level will be reserved for varsity student-athletes. The remainder of the first floor and the entire second floor will be for general campus use.

The second level will contain approximately 4,600 square feet of space for cardiovascular and aerobic exercise equipment and for a glass meeting room. Another approximately 2,700 square feet of space will be utilized for free weights exercise and an observation room that will overlook the new athletic turf field.

The three-story atrium will be approximately 4,000 square feet. Its primary purpose is to promote fluid passage to and from the four buildings from a single entrance. The focus of the new design of both the atrium and the fitness center will be an abundant use of glass.

The project also will include significant improvements and renovations in Alumni Hall to include an expanded and modernized sports medicine facility, a newly relocated ticket office, a new locker room for visiting teams, and new athletic laundry facilities.

Discussions about a new fitness center have been ongoing for the past several years. The project has the full support of Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
"As someone who regularly uses the facilities in the Peterson Recreation Center, I know how much we need to improve them," stated Father Shanley. "Our intention is to create a true state-of-the-art facility."

Father Shanley cited three reasons why he believes the fitness center is essential to the College's future. "Most importantly," he said, "we need to improve the facilities for the health and wellness of the entire College community, our students, faculty, and staff. The changes also will enhance our athletic programs by improving the facilities used by our student-athletes. In addition, we need to undertake this project in order to remain competitive in the health and fitness services we offer."

The project is scheduled to start on or about June 1, 2006, and is expected to last approximately 65 weeks, with the opening planned for the beginning of the fall 2007 semester. Its projected cost is $12 million to $13 million. A contractor is expected to be announced shortly.

Financing for the project will be provided through bonded indebtedness with the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation and the College's own resources.

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