Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center renovations
The university hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house for its newly renovated Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
The estimated $12 million project, funded by a 2019 appropriation, encompassed a 31,000-square-foot expansion and a renovation of 10,000 square feet of space. In addition to its existing recreational and fitness facilities, the renovated RFWC features six relocated departments, including Counseling and Psychological Services; Public Safety; Religious Life; the Student Wellness Office; the University Health Center; and University Strategic Communication.
Health Professions Center renovations
The multi-phase renovation of the Health Profession Center is projected to be complete by 2026.
At the University Fall Meeting Aug. 13, Interim President Steve Bridges announced that the project has entered its fourth phase. He said construction will be seen from the outside, and a fence will be built around the building.
The renovation project includes new laboratory equipment, an expanded Clinical Simulation Center on the lower level, a remodeled Dental Clinic with modern equipment, a new radiology suite on the first floor and updated spaces for the Food and Nutrition program.
Eagle Express Convenience Store and Archie’s Pizzeria updates
The Eagle Express Convenience Store and Archie’s Pizzeria have been revamped with an updated layout and expanded menu offerings.
Heather Doughman, Eagle Express Convenience Store retail manager, said the store features new flooring, furniture, shelving and counter space. In addition, Archie’s Pizzeria has expanded its menu with new breakfast options, sandwiches, burgers, curly fries and fresh gelato from a self-serve SOLATO Machine.
New fire alarm system
Jim Wolfe, director of facility operations and planning, said a Johnson Controls fire detection/alarm system has been installed in every USI housing apartment.
“Activation of the sensors sets off alarms in the apartment and the building,” he said. “The system immediately sends a signal to Public Safety notifying them of the room the detector was activated in.”
Wolfe said O’Daniel North’s building systems were installed in the summer of 2017 with a cost of $500,000. More recently, alarms have been installed in the remaining 33 buildings in O’Daniel South and McDonald East during the summers of 2023 and 2024, costing $2.7 million.
TheLloyd4U project
TheLloyd4U project has brought in $150 million in investments to improve efficiency and safety on the Lloyd Expressway.
USI commuters will be affected by westside construction on the Lloyd, including the repavement of all entrances and exits connecting the expressway and University Parkway, as well as the Dual Displaced turns on Red Bank Road.
Construction began at the start of Spring 2025 and is estimated to conclude in 2028.
More information can be found at thelloyd4u.com.