In a continued effort to renew campus recreational sports facilities, the North Campus Recreation Building will be the next facility to undergo renovations. The Board of Regents on Thursday approved the comprehensive expansion and renovation of the NCRB.
Built in 1976, the facility requires significant upgrades to meet the growing trends of healthy lifestyles and interactivity.
The project is the third in the comprehensive renovation plans for campus recreation and unions facilities. Renovations already have been completed at Mitchell Field and the Intramural Sports Building will undergo renovations beginning in May.
“We are thrilled to continue renovation planning with work on the North Campus Recreation Building,” said Mike Widen, director of recreational sports. “The renovation will revitalize the building itself and it will result in a positive impact for students, faculty and staff who live and work on North Campus.”
The project will add approximately 18,000 square feet of space for a new gymnasium, spaces for cardio and group exercise and an enhanced building entry. A renovation of approximately 50,000 square feet will improve the squash courts, locker rooms and restrooms.
Infrastructure upgrades will include accessibility improvements and electrical, heating and plumbing system upgrades. There will be no impact on parking from this project.
Regents also approved the commissioning of Integrated Design Solutions in association with RDG Planning and Design to design the project, which is scheduled to begin immediately.
“We are so glad to finally begin the planning phase that began years ago with students pushing for this initiative,” said Rebecca Sigourney, co-chair of the student advisory group Building a Better Michigan. “As the university continues to expand, it’s important to focus on North Campus as an aspect that is developing and expanding, too.”
The renovation is estimated to cost $13 million, and funding will be provided from the Student Life Student Fee for Facility Renewal. The project is expected to provide an average of 20 on-site construction jobs.
