University of Wisconsin-Madison opens new $113 million Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has opened its new Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center.
The $113 million, 272,000-sf center features a recreational pool, multipurpose courts, an ice arena, spin cycling and yoga studios, climbing and bouldering wall, sports simulators, e-sports gaming room, an indoor jogging track, and rooftop fitness center, along with wellness services like a teaching kitchen, nap pods, and rooms for massage therapy, meditation and peer wellness counseling.
The building, which has a wall of curved windows to mimic and overlook the waves of neighboring Lake Mendota, opened in late April, though some features will not be available until later in the year. University officials expect it will receive 1 million visits a year from students and community members, who can pay a membership fee to use the facilities.
IMEG provided mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and ice rink design for the project as a subconsultant to architect Kahler Slater.