Wellness center renovations are ahead of schedule and are due for completion on Feb. 24.
“The addition will give the university one of the best facilities in the country based on square feet per student,” said Norm Parsons, director of the wellness center. “We are thrilled to provide the expanded Herbert Wellness Center to our students, employees and extended university family.”
The renovations, which consist of an 18,000-square foot expansion, include an increase of an additional 6,500 feet to the fitness room with the implementation of new, state-of-the-art fitness and cardio equipment.
There will also be an increase in cardio machines from 60 to 120 pieces, and an addition to the second floor that includes two multipurpose rooms for more group exercise and instructional classes, a new cycling studio with updated audio and visual equipment and a Pilates studio with five reformer machines. Additional restrooms are also a part of the renovations.
The first phase of the construction began in early February of last year.
“The construction has made work a little bit of a hassle. Working long shifts hearing all the noise and smelling the paint was a little annoying and we have had to rearrange some of the ways we run things,” wellness center employee Laura Sarmiento said. “But overall, it hasn’t been too bad.”
Stephanie Parra may be contacted at sparra@themiamihurricane.com.