Lawrence University today announced the launch of Level Up, a new project to support student health, wellness, and performance.
The Level Up project features the construction of two new facilities: The Loop, an indoor training center, and The Hub, a fitness, recreation, and practice facility. Construction of The Hub will begin soon, while no timeline has been set for construction of The Loop.
The Hub will transform the lower level of the City Center East building in downtown Appleton into a 56,000-square-foot fitness and recreation center serving the entire campus community, complete with practice facilities for athletics and the music conservatory.
“The Hub greatly expands our ability to offer the variety of fitness and recreation options our students want, while providing much-need practice space for athletics and the music Conservatory,” said Chris Clarke, Vice President for Student Life. “More importantly, The Hub will bring students together outside of class with people they might not otherwise encounter any other way, which strengthens the sense of connection and belonging that contributes to students’ overall well-being.”
There will be a 9,000-square-foot strength training and cardio center and three simulator bays with more than 50 games to give students a variety of virtual experiences. There also will be a fencing training room, batting cages that track biometrics and a hockey practice area. The music conservatory will have a 2,000-square-foot practice suite with student lounge and recording studio with Wenger practice modules that allow student musicians to simulate a variety of performance environments, with record/playback features.
The space for The Hub was entrusted to Lawrence University by local business leaders John Pfefferle, Paul Hoffman, and Thomas Janssen.
“The Hub intentionally brings together wellness, athletics, and music, creating an environment that mirrors the way Lawrence students live, learn, and grow,” said Lawrence University President Laurie Carter. “This kind of creative, integrative thinking is exactly what today’s world – and job market – demands. The Hub reflects the adaptability, collaboration, and innovation our graduates will need to thrive and to lead in their lives after Lawrence.”
