North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Elon University plans to build a 135,000-sq. ft. health centre at its Innovation Quad, to support the broad spectrum of dimensions in its HealthEU initiative.
The project is estimated to cost more than $60 million, and the university has launched a $25 million capital campaign to help fund it, Triad Business Journal reported.
Construction will begin in the fall, with Samet Corp. as construction manager. Plans call for the building to be completed in 2026. It will be the second-largest building on campus and a hub for academics and recreation.
The building design prioritizes “collaboration, connection and innovation”.
“We understand that health and well-being are critical to the success not just of our students but also our faculty and staff,” said president Connie Ledoux Book. “This multifaceted facility will provide a wide range of support to our community and offer opportunities to connect with each other and with resources that support their growth and development.”
The three-story building will be built south of the Colonnades Neighborhood within the Innovation Quad, an area of campus that now includes Sankey Hall, Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. The multifunctional facility is rooted in the six dimensions of wellness through the HealthEU initiative — community, emotional, financial, physical, purpose and social.
It will include offices and space for academic departments including Exercise Science, Education & Wellness and other faculty focused on health and wellness. Labs and spaces for interdisciplinary research will be included as will rooms designed for one-on-one and group fitness assessments, personal training, health and nutrition coaching, and financial literacy.
The center will include:
- A gymnasium with team and individual recreation spaces.
- An aquatics center with a collegiate competition-sized pool.
- Fitness, weight training and exercise space for groups and individuals.
- An indoor track.
- A climbing center with climbing and bouldering walls.
- Outdoor fitness center.
A physical therapy and athletic training clinic will be included as well as studios for individual and group meditation, mindfulness and yoga. Space will also be provided to support employee wellness programs.