July 1, 2024 marked a significant milestone in the construction of the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Michigan State University (MSU) on Shaw Lane, between Birch and Harrison roads. The ceremonial steel beam was raised with a banner holding the signatures of the teams responsible for the funding and construction of the facility. 

Those in attendance included university officials, project partners and the construction crew to celebrate the collaborative effort that brought the project to life. Nearly 40 contractors were hired onboard, including Granger Construction, Rossetti Architecture, Integrated Planning Facilities (IPF), Moody Nolan and others. In addition to Central Excavating, Myers Plumbing and Heating, Douglas Steel and Assemblers, as well as MSU and the Division of Student Life & Engagement’s (SLE), Recreational Sports and Fitness Services, many of which were present and made a statement. 

Senior Vice President for SLE Vennie Gore kicked off the ceremony by expressing his passion for the project. 

“It has been a labor of love for the last 20 years, so now seeing this go up there must be joy and excitement,” said Gore. 

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz followed, emphasizing the importance of the new facility. “There are few buildings on a college campus that touch the lives of everyone, and this is one of those few buildings,” said Guskiewicz.

The Student Recreation and Wellness Center represents a source of community, health and innovation on campus. The state-of-the-art facility serves to boost the well-being of students and foster a sense of belonging at MSU.

Moody Nolan’s Project Architect Mason Johnson also highlighted the impact of the center across campus.

“The rec centers of the future are the living rooms of the students, where everybody comes to hang out, spend time together, collaborate and make new connections,” said Johnson. 

The building is anticipated to be completed by February 2026 and will operationally replace IM West. The 293,000-square-foot facility will hold several gymnasiums and multiactivity courts, a turf arena, an indoor running track, strength and fitness studios, racket sport courts, two university classrooms, locker and toilet rooms to meet gender-inclusive needs, and a 50-meter recreational pool to support simultaneous uses, including courses, water fitness and open swim.

For more information and updates on the Student Recreation and Wellness Center visit recsports.msu.edu/events/Rebuilding.html.