Updates on current campus construction projects

Winter is coming, but crews are hard at work on various building projects around campus. From the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center to the Health Profession Center, USI is seeing these projects march closer to completion. Here’s an update on the projects currently happening:

Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center

A hefty renovation and expansion project, the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) is on track to be completed in Spring 2024, says Jim Wolfe, Director of Facility Operations and Planning. The project began in the fall of 2022 and includes an addition of 31,000 square feet of space and a renovation of 10,000 square feet of existing space. The addition extends the building toward University Boulevard and adds a second story. Once completed, six departments will transition into the renovated space: Counseling and Psychological Service (CAPS), Public Safety, Religious Life, Student Wellness (already located in the facility), University Health Center and University Strategic Communication.

“We expect the departments to start move-in to the RFWC in May 2024,” says Wolfe. He adds that crews have all the interior rooms framed in and all electric and ductwork has been completed. Drywall is being hung and workers are starting the brickwork on the exterior of the building. Furniture has also been ordered. Currently, crews are waiting on glass for the windows and doors to arrive.

Health Professions Center

Three main areas have been the focus of recent and current renovation work that began in the summer—dental, radiology and a nursing simulation center—along with other areas in the lower level of the building. “The dental area is complete, and students have been using that area since late August. It’s going well,” says Wolfe. “There are a few additions that are coming, but the students are currently utilizing the space.”

Mitchell Auditorium, a multi-tiered lecture hall in the building, is giving way to a new radiology suite on the first floor. The area will be equipped with new machines including an MRI simulator and CT scanner. Workers are framing the suite right now, having taken out the auditorium and made it one floor to accommodate the six labs and a classroom for radiology. “We’re looking at that being done sometime in Spring 2024,” says Wolfe.

The areas in the lower level of the building will be the final work of the current phase of the project. Renovations will begin in those areas once the University Health Center is able to move into its new location in the RFWC, says Wolfe.

Wright Administration Building

Currently the oldest building on USI’s campus, the Wright Administration Building is up next for renovations, says Wolfe. There is a committee searching for an architect for the project.