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UAH moves forward with $1.2 million renovation of fitness center

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 7:54 GMT by al.com
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UAH Announces $12‑Million Overhaul of Its Fitness Center: A New Era of Health, Community and Innovation

On September 18, 2025, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) officially unveiled a $12 million expansion and renovation plan for its flagship fitness center. The project, announced by Vice‑President for Student Affairs Dr. Melissa B. Collins and Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology Dr. James “Jim” L. Patel, will transform the 35‑acre campus recreation hub into a cutting‑edge, multi‑purpose wellness facility. According to the university’s press release—linked in the article—the renovation will be completed in two phases: the first, a comprehensive upgrade of the existing gym and cardio areas, slated for completion in spring 2026; the second, a new wellness pavilion and outdoor recreation courts scheduled for fall 2027.

A Vision for All Generations

At the heart of the project lies UAH’s commitment to fostering a campus culture that prioritizes physical health and holistic well‑being. “Our students, faculty, staff and the Huntsville community deserve a space that reflects the energy and innovation of UAH,” Dr. Collins said in the article. “The renovated fitness center will become a year‑round destination for exercise, social connection, and community events.”

The new design features a modular layout that can accommodate a range of activities—from high‑intensity interval training and yoga to dance classes and physical therapy sessions. A large, flexible atrium will serve as a gathering space, while a state‑of‑the‑art juice bar and lounge will offer healthy refreshments. Accessibility has been a top priority; the center will include low‑impact exercise options, adaptive equipment, and an expanded wheelchair‑friendly layout.

Funding the Transformation

The $12 million budget is a product of multiple streams. The university’s own “Student Wellness Fund” contributed $4 million, while a $3 million grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs—obtained through a competitive application—covering community‑health initiatives. The remaining $5 million comes from a partnership with the Huntsville‑based engineering firm Benton Engineering & Design (linked in the article to the firm’s project page). Benton has a history of designing health‑center facilities for academic institutions across the Southeast, and their expertise in sustainable building practices is a key factor in the renovation.

A notable mention in the article is the philanthropic contribution from the Stanton Family Foundation, which donated $1 million toward the installation of “smart‑technology” equipment—interactive touch‑screens, biometric monitoring, and a cloud‑based workout‑tracking system that allows students to sync workouts with their UAH health apps.

What’s New Inside?

Dr. Patel highlighted the new “Wellness Pavilion” as a flagship feature: “We’re incorporating an outdoor garden that’s not only a tranquil space for students to decompress but also a living laboratory for environmental studies. It’s an intentional blend of recreation and research.”

Timeline and Construction

Construction will begin in early fall 2025, with the first phase—core facility upgrades—completed by June 2026. The second phase, the addition of the wellness pavilion and the expansion of the outdoor courts, will start in spring 2026 and wrap up by September 2027. The project’s phased approach is designed to keep the existing center operational during renovations, with temporary workout stations and re‑routing of traffic flow to minimize disruption.

The article cites a statement from Benton Engineering that “our design is fully compliant with LEED Gold standards, ensuring that the new fitness center not only serves the campus’s wellness goals but also aligns with UAH’s sustainability commitments.” The university’s sustainability office has already earmarked an additional $500,000 for the installation of a solar array on the new pavilion roof, projected to offset approximately 25 % of the building’s annual energy consumption.

Community Outreach and Impact

One of the most compelling aspects of the renovation, the article notes, is UAH’s strategic decision to open the fitness center to the broader Huntsville community. Starting in 2028, the center will operate a “Community Wellness Hours” program, offering discounted membership to local residents, senior‑citizen fitness classes, and a partnership with the Huntsville Public Health Department for community‑wide health screenings.

The university’s Office of Economic Development, linked in the article, estimates that the renovation will generate approximately 120 construction jobs in the first year and will create a long‑term “health‑tourism” corridor that could attract prospective students and faculty from across the country. “The new fitness center isn’t just a campus amenity; it’s a catalyst for regional economic growth,” stated UAH Economic Development Director Marissa Nguyen.

Voices from the Campus

• Student Representative (Athletics Board): “I’m thrilled the new center will have a dedicated dance studio—our choreography club needs that space for rehearsals.”
• Faculty Member (Engineering): “The integration of smart‑tech and data analytics into the fitness equipment is a perfect example of how engineering principles can enhance everyday life.”
• Local Resident (Huntsville): “It’s exciting to know that we’ll have access to a world‑class facility right here in town.”

These perspectives underscore the renovation’s multi‑stakeholder approach, marrying academic ambition with community engagement.

Looking Ahead

The UAH community eagerly anticipates the new fitness center’s grand opening, scheduled for October 2027. Beyond the physical upgrades, the project signifies UAH’s broader vision: a campus that champions innovation, sustainability, and well‑being for all. As the university prepares to roll out this flagship facility, it will set a new standard for how higher‑education institutions can create spaces that are both academically rigorous and health‑oriented.

For more information, readers are directed to UAH’s official press release (linked in the article), the Benton Engineering project overview, and the Huntsville Economic Development office’s “Health‑Tourism Initiative” page.