Work starts on RFWC bike shop, storage

Construction crews are back in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) this month as work begins on the addition to the bike shop and storage space for the facility. Reporting at the USI Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, November 7, Jim Wolfe, Director of Facility, Operations and Planning, gave an update on current construction projects, including the RFWC additions.

In a sense, the work underway is a shuffling of space, creating more room for students and employees who use the facility. The main construction of the project will focus on adding a new space to house the RFWC’s bike shop, located at the back of the building behind the free weight area.

Currently, the RFWC offers bicycles and equipment available for checkout to students and staff. The addition will allow for the expansion of storage space for bicycles and equipment, as well as include a workspace and parts area. The space will be attached to the RFWC main building.

This addition will also allow the free weight area to expand to 1,150 square feet, explains Wolfe, giving guests more room. “The weight area is a tight space,” he says. “The new bike shop will allow the free weight area to add in space from the existing bike shop.”

Another much-needed addition to the RFWC is a large storage area, to be placed behind the basketball courts. “This will be storage of all the tables and chairs used in the RFWC,” says Wolfe.  

Work is in progress and is expected to last until summer 2025. Crews are currently using Parking Lot O behind the RFWC for parking and their equipment, so the lot is closed to employees and students until further notice.