We are excited to announce two new facilities projects focused on supporting the health and well-being of our entire campus community. Renovation of the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) will begin in January 2020. The construction of a new health, counseling, and well-being center will also begin design in January. We hope to complete both buildings by August of 2021.
RAC renovations will take place in phases to provide limited ongoing use of the building during construction. The renovations will include improved event venues as well as enhanced recreation spaces, including a new weight room, expanded cardio space and equipment, more group fitness space, and new poolside locker rooms. Existing spaces, including the track and gyms, will receive a facelift and many building systems will be updated to allow greater use of the facility for campus events and to support the highest level of user safety and sustainability.
Phasing of construction work will allow scheduled recreation and aquatics activities to continue through the project. We will also be working in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services to ensure easier use of the building for all in our community. Additional information, including construction timelines and changes to building operations, will be posted on the Facilities Management website prior to the start of construction. Our partners in Recreation and Events will help keep users informed about changes in schedules and locations.
In addition to the renewal of the RAC, we are extremely pleased that the University System of Maryland has approved our request to advance the construction of a new health services and counseling building. The building represents a strong commitment to the health and well-being of our students, many services will be available to faculty and staff as well. This new building will enable us to improve the availability of care for all students by providing holistic care, space for reflection and meditation, and co-locating resources for integrated care.
We will share additional updates about the location and design of the new building in the coming months. We appreciate your patience as we design and undertake these two important projects.
Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Administration and Finance
RAC renovations will take place in phases to provide limited ongoing use of the building during construction. The renovations will include improved event venues as well as enhanced recreation spaces, including a new weight room, expanded cardio space and equipment, more group fitness space, and new poolside locker rooms. Existing spaces, including the track and gyms, will receive a facelift and many building systems will be updated to allow greater use of the facility for campus events and to support the highest level of user safety and sustainability.
Phasing of construction work will allow scheduled recreation and aquatics activities to continue through the project. We will also be working in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services to ensure easier use of the building for all in our community. Additional information, including construction timelines and changes to building operations, will be posted on the Facilities Management website prior to the start of construction. Our partners in Recreation and Events will help keep users informed about changes in schedules and locations.
In addition to the renewal of the RAC, we are extremely pleased that the University System of Maryland has approved our request to advance the construction of a new health services and counseling building. The building represents a strong commitment to the health and well-being of our students, many services will be available to faculty and staff as well. This new building will enable us to improve the availability of care for all students by providing holistic care, space for reflection and meditation, and co-locating resources for integrated care.
We will share additional updates about the location and design of the new building in the coming months. We appreciate your patience as we design and undertake these two important projects.
Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Administration and Finance
