higher education recreation and wellness center architecture — UNL East Campus addition with climbing rock Scroll Down arrow icon

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Recreation & Wellness Center-East Campus

Sinclair Hille Architects, in association with HOK Architects, were selected to lead the renovation and expansion of the East Campus Recreation & Wellness Center, originally constructed in 1926 to serve the agricultural-based campus with physical education instruction and a gymnasium. The project aimed to modernize the facility while preserving its historic character and enhancing its role as a hub for fitness, wellness, and recreation on campus.

university recreation center entrance addition with upper-level fitness facility adaptive reuse recreation facility interior showing preserved masonry wall at reception
campus wellness center exterior with integrated landscaping and renovated façade

The renovation and addition project focused on five key components: reconfiguring programmatic spaces within the existing building, constructing a prominent south addition for open fitness areas and a large exercise studio, adding a new west gymnasium elevated to provide covered parking beneath, expanding administrative functions to the east with a one-story addition and potential exercise terrace, and linking the existing building and new additions with a mezzanine-level running track.

Interior improvements included reprogramming the first level, transforming the existing gymnasium into a multi-activity court (MAC), and incorporating new locker rooms, family changing facilities, physical assessment and injury prevention spaces, a meeting room, demonstration kitchen, golf simulator, and supporting mechanical and storage areas.

collegiate fitness center interior within university recreation architecture
higher education recreation facility addition integrated with original campus building

The south addition provides multi-level fitness spaces and a large group exercise room, while the east addition houses the recreation administrative suite and a second-level basketball court. The renovations and additions together create a modern, flexible, and highly functional wellness center that serves students, faculty, and staff, fostering a connected environment for recreation, fitness, and campus community engagement.

university recreation center basketball court with indoor track and exposed structural trusses
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