Construction at the Dow for the brand new entrance and weight room expansion began in late August and is expected to conclude in May 2020. The renovation project, funded by Joe and Julie Serra, alumni of 1982, will focus on promoting a healthy atmosphere and a more welcoming space for all students on campus.
“We wanted something that would be unique to Albion,” said Matt Arend, Albion College Athletic Director.
The new front entrance of the Dow will stand 24 feet tall, making it visible from the Kellogg Center. This increased visibility reinforces the idea of the new space being an inviting area for all students on campus.
“The goal is to make what the Dow better while also enhancing the good features the Dow already has,” said Arend.
Improvements made in the current atrium and throughout the theater hallway, although the two areas are expected to remain largely the same in terms of structure.
In addition, the updated space will consist of a 5,000 square foot new weight room, a 1,500 square foot multiple purpose room and a juice smoothie bar. The juice bar menu, workout equipment and machines have not yet been determined, but the goal is to triple the current amount of cardio machines and provide equipment that will be useful to all students.
“We would like to make the current weight room student-athlete only and [we] would potentially close Washington Gardner,” said Arend, adding that the plan is subject to possible change in the future.
Updates on the expansion of the Dow will be published on a monthly basis.
Photos of the beginning stages of construction on the new Dow Recreation Center. Photos by Patrick Smoker
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