Today’s students place far greater emphasis on health and wellness than prior generations, taking a more proactive and holistic view of health that considers social, emotional, and physical well-being as equal parts of the wellness equation. 

They prioritize healthier eating, regard mental health care as an essential part of wellness, and want a wide variety of recreation and fitness options. Additionally, the Vikings Athletics program continues to thrive and grow. Currently, 459 student-athletes compete in 24 varsity sports, accounting for 33% of total enrollment. 

With the growing demand from all corners of campus, the university’s existing health and wellness spaces struggle to meet the demands of sports teams while also supporting the fitness activities, intramural sports, and wellness programming sought by the broader student population. 

Rising to the challenge, Lawrence University has developed Level Up, an innovative solution that will have a significant impact in supporting campuswide health and wellness for scholars, athletes, and musicians alike. 

The Level Up project consists of two separate facilities: The Loop, an indoor training center adjacent to Alexander Gymnasium, and The Hub, a centrally located fitness, recreation, and practice facility complete with a state-of-the-art music rehearsal suite. 

rendering of a new workout facility called the hub

The Hub

Gifted to Lawrence University by local business leaders, The Hub is a 56,000 square foot space located in the City Center East building, adjacent to Fox Commons in the heart of downtown Appleton.

It will free up the Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center to accommodate expanded student programming with more intramural sports options and recreational activities.

The Hub will be a popular and heavily used destination, drawing even more students, faculty, and staff to businesses in downtown Appleton for dining, entertainment, and community events.

rendering of practice studios for level up

Conservatory Practice Suite


The Hub will include a 2,000 square foot music practice suite that features 15 Wenger rehearsal modules. These state-of-the-art, acoustically insulated music practice modules feature Virtual Acoustic Environment technology that allows students to simulate a wide variety of performance venues—from an intimate coffee house to a massive concert hall—allowing musicians to focus their practice on the type of venue in which they will be performing. 

rendering of future batting cages in a facility

Batting Cages 


More than just a place to face off against a pitching machine, these cutting-edge batting cages help batters assess their stance and swing, track biometrics, such as hip and shoulder rotation, and provide data-driven feedback on how to adjust mechanics, timing and power.

The batting cages also will be a popular addition to youth baseball camps hosted at Lawrence in the summer months.

rendering of future simulator bays for golf

Simulator Bays


Three game simulation bays give students the opportunity to connect, relax, and just have fun together. With more than 50 games to choose from, students will have the opportunity to try a variety of virtual activities, from testing their skills in a virtual golf league to surviving a zombie apocalypse.

The simulator suite also opens up the option to host outside parties centered on simulation games.

Naming & Recognition Opportunities

THE HUB
Hub Wellness Complex COMMITTED
Fitness Center $1,500,000
Conservatory Suite $1,000,000
Fencing Training Area $500,000
Simulator Suite $250,000
Recording Studio $200,000
Baseball & Softball Training Area $150,000
Hockey Training Area COMMITTED
Strength Training Space COMMITTED
Cardio Space $100,000
Lobby/Welcome Center COMMITTED
Athletic Training Room $100,000
Fencing Team Room $100,000
Lounges 2 @ $100,000
Simulator Bays 3 @ $50,000
Fencing Office $50,000
Hockey Office $50,000
Group Recognition Signage Gifts of $5,000 or more
Details are subject to change throughout the design process.
Conservatory Practice Rooms
Large modules 5 @ $75,000
Medium modules 4 @ $50,000
Small modules 6 @ $25,000
rendering of the loop athletic facility

The Loop

The Loop is a practice and training facility that will be situated adjacent to Alexander Gymnasium. This impressive facility supports a variety of needs.

The indoor track and field training area features a six-lane, 200-meter running track, a long jump runway and 23-foot sand pit, a pole vault runway and landing area, and a field event throwing area.

The infield practice area features a turf-covered infield striped for soccer, football, and lacrosse training and a baseball and softball practice area.

The Loop also expands opportunities for health and wellness programming for the broader campus and Fox Cities communities.

rendering of an enclosed infield area

Fully Enclosable Infield Area


One of the largest indoor turf areas in the Fox Cities, the turf-covered infield area can be completely netted off, ensuring that track and field athletes can safely practice without disruption from training activities on the infield.

rendering of indoor track and field for level up

Field Event Practice Areas


Imagine competing in the long jump where your first landing in a sand pit is during a competition. Or consider the difficulty of preparing for the indoor track season when you practice on a snow-covered outdoor track in the middle of a Wisconsin winter.

Despite the challenges, Vikings Track and Field teams are winning meets and growing their roster. Imagine what these talented athletes can do with facilities that match their abilities.

Naming & Recognition Opportunities

Details are subject to change throughout the design process.
THE LOOP
Training Center $6,000,000
Track $2,000,000
Practice Field $1,500,000
Baseball & Softball Infield Training Area $250,000
Field Event Training Area $250,000
Long Jump Runway & Pit COMMITTED
Field Event Throwing Area $100,000
High Jump Area $100,000
Universal Locker Room COMMITTED
Group Recognition Signage Gifts of $5,000 or more