New facilities for nearly two-thirds of U-M student athletes took another step forward Thursday as the Board of Regents approved the schematic design for the Athletics South Competition and Performance project.
The project will add approximately 280,000 square feet of space for men’s and women’s track and field, cross country, lacrosse and women’s rowing.
The facilities, to be located on the site of the former Edwards Brothers Molloy property on South State Street, will be near existing facilities for the university’s gymnastics, wrestling and tennis programs. It also will be available to student-athletes who already practice and compete in that area, as well as students who participate in the university’s recreational sports programs.
The $168 million project addresses needs identified at the launch of the athletic department’s portion of the Victors for Michigan campaign in fall 2013. Funding will be provided entirely by athletic donor resources and gifts, including a $100 million gift from Stephen M. Ross.
A performance and team center will provide specialized spaces for each team, and shared resources for all teams. It will include strength and conditioning, athletic medicine, a performance lab, meeting space and locker rooms. It also will allow Athletics to consolidate various team facilities now dispersed across the athletic campus.
The university’s first indoor rowing tank will be built as part of the project. New indoor and outdoor track and field facilities that can accommodate 2,000 and 500 spectators respectively will allow the university to once again host home track meets as well as regional and national competitions. A 2,000-seat lacrosse stadium will create a home for the university’s newest varsity programs.
The project will add 200 parking spaces for athletic needs in addition to the existing 700 commuter parking spots in the area. The commuter parking spaces could be used for event parking during non-peak hours. Bus transportation will continue to be provided to Central Campus.
The architectural firm TMP Architecture designed the project. The regents also approved the project for bid and awarding limited construction contracts for $4.5 million for construction of a facility maintenance building, parking lots, and on-site utility work.
The project is expected to create an average of 210 on-site construction jobs and is scheduled for completion in the winter of 2018.
James Wangelin
Exactly where will this facility be?
Jamie Iseler
The facilities will be located on the site of the former Edwards Brothers Molloy property on South State Street, near existing gymnastics, wrestling and tennis facilities. We’ve updated the story to specify its location.
Kisha Wright
Kisha