Due to heavy use by student-athletes, students, faculty, staff and the community, the previous Athletic and Wellness Center at Ripon College became vastly undersized. Built in the 1960s, the building not only showed its age in condition, but also lacked many of the amenities students expect in today’s competitive market. A significant renovation and expansion to the existing building transformed the dated facility into the primary center for students who are active in the fine arts, athletics, intramural and club sports. It is also open to community members and hosts high school track meets and summer camp programs.

The new Athletics and Wellness Center provides an open, inviting and active space, while offering wellness opportunities for guests. The new facilities includes academic, fitness and hangout spaces; dining and study space; modern offices for the athletic department; enhanced exercise studios, cardio and gym spaces; new student, team and community locker rooms; and recruiting and club spaces, among other enhancements. A new fieldhouse with a NCAA regulation 200-meter track and four basketball/tennis courts anchor the design. The expanded wellness center, over twice the size of the existing, was designed to attract the surrounding community, spurring economic development in the area.