In May 2006, Illinois State University Board of Trustees authorized $2.2M in funding to enable Illinois State to establish budgets, appoint architectural and Engineering consultants, conduct feasibility studies, and initiate the design process for the new Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall. The Board of Trustees approved the construction of the Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall at a cost of $43.9 million on October 26, 2007. By July 2008, the project amount had increased to $49.6M. The 170,000 square foot facility was planned to house Campus Recreation, Health Promotion and Wellness, and the School of Kinesiology and Recreation.

The new facility consists of basketball courts, cardio/strength training areas, an indoor track, group fitness spaces, a pool and a climbing wall. The center also includes classrooms, laboratories, and office space for the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. The design phase was anticipated to take approximately 20 months, with construction expected to take approximately two years beginning in fall of 2008. Construction of the project was completed in fall 2010, with the opening of the facility in January 2011.

Information

Construction Activity Archive

Below you will find an archive of information regarding the project's status. For the most recent information, please visit Construction Updates.

Fit-up Timeline (Preliminary)

July 2010

The Campus Recreation offices have been completed. The contractors are working on interior spaces in Student Fitness Center wing including locker rooms, running tracks, weight and fitness areas, spinning areas, and aerobics rooms. This work is anticipated to be completed by the end of July. The contractors continue to work on framing, windows, ceiling grids, ductwork, and electrical wiring rough-in, drywall installation in the interior of McCormick Hall.

June 2010

Sidewalk closure: See map of sidewalk removal and replacement.

May 2010

Sidewalk closure: See map of sidewalk removal and replacement.
The removal and replacement of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along the perimeter of the new Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall project will impact the pedestrians traveling to the south campus area of Illinois State University. Pedestrians are advised to use alternate routes. Construction fencing will be relocated to allow for site work to be performed. The work is divided into four (4) sections. Hale and Dry Grove Streets will always have at least one (1) lane open for vehicular traffic during site work construction.
Section 1 (the area is highlighted in pink on the map) The existing sidewalk running east and west along the south side of Dry Grove Street between Main and University Streets was closed in May .
Section 2 (the area is highlighted in blue on the map) The existing sidewalk running north and south along the east side of Main Street between Dry Grove and Hale Streets was closed on May 24, 2010. It is anticipated to be completed in June.
Section 3 (the area is highlighted in green on the map) The existing sidewalk running east and west along Hale Street between Main and University Streets will be closed after the completion of sections 1, 2, and 4. This section is anticipated to be completed two weeks time and prior to the beginning of fall semester and before students move back into University residences.

Section 4 (the area is highlighted in yellow on the map) The existing sidewalk on the north, east, and south side of McCormick Hall and the door at the north side entrance to the College of Business Building are currently closed. The contractors continue to remove the existing sidewalk and curbs, level dirt with the new elevation, and prepare for pouring the concrete. The sidewalk on the east side is tentatively scheduled to be opened for pedestrian traffic the week of June 14, 2010, weather permitting.

March 2010

The north part of the exterior curtain wall at the connecting bridge is nearly finished. The contractor continues working on the remaining part of glass window walls installation along south, southwest, and west elevations of the building. The building should be enclosed before winter. That is critical to have a suitable environment to construct finishes inside the building.
Besides the physical construction, some of the preparation is in the works including fire alarm, audio, exercise and fitness equipment, and classroom, laboratory, and office furniture.
A new roof system for McCormick Hall was being installed because of damage by inclement weather earlier this spring. Approximately 40% of the roof work is completed. Completion of the new roofing project is subject to current weather conditions with the intent to be completed as soon as possible.
Installing exterior glass wall installation at the connecting bridge for the new McCormick Hall and Student Fitness Center.