ARC Undergoes Expansion Project

The Activities and Recreation Center started a major expansion of exercise space in July. The space has grown crowded since the ARC’s opening in 2004, and the project is expected to last into 2019.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our main facility to help meet the needs of our growing student body,” said Deb Johnson, director of recreation.

The roughly $15.9 million, 20,000-square-foot expansion will occur mostly at the core of the building into what is now the courtyard, more space will be added to the second floor (and all cardio equipment will be moved upstairs), a dedicated boxing studio will be added and the cycling room will expand. But the main focus of the expansion is the fitness center, which will hold additional strength equipment including racks and benches. The growth there will feature indoor and outdoor areas dedicated to functional fitness — movements like those performed with kettlebells, TRX straps, medicine balls and battle ropes.