Join AIA Milwaukee for a tour of Marquette University Wellness + Helfaer Recreation!

Marquette University has fully reimagined its Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center (Rec Center) on the southwestern edge of campus as a comprehensive wellness and recreation facility. The 195,000-square-foot facility combines completely renovated portions of the Rec Center, including significantly updated facades with added windows, along with a newly constructed three-story wellness tower in the core of the facility.

The tour will focus on the architectural integration of the Medical Clinic, Wellness programs, Counseling Center, and Campus Recreation spaces to demonstrate how strategic co-location facilitates a "whole-person" wellness model. Completed in late 2024, the facility received a top award from the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) in recognition of the facility’s role in supporting the physical and mental health needs of the Marquette community.

Post-Tour Happy Hour: Tour participants are invited to attend a post-tour happy hour at Caffrey's Pub to enjoy networking and socializing, hosted by AIA Milwaukee.

Presenters:

• Chris Gluesing, AIA, Senior Director of Planning and Project Delivery, Marquette University
• Joel Smullen, AIA, Senior Project Manager, Marquette University
• Mike Stern, Director of Project Management, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
• Wally Johnson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Senior Project Manager,Workshop Architects
• Jon Schedler, AIA,Associate, Project Architect,Workshop Architects

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate Programmatic Integration for Holistic Wellness: Examine the architectural strategies used to merge physical recreation with mental health and social services. Participants will learn how spatial transitions and the co-location of diverse services support a "whole-person" wellness model in a campus environment.
• Identify Technical Challenges in Adaptive Reuse: Identify the complexities of integrating a state-of-the-art expansion with the existing Helfaer Recreation Center structure. The tour will focus on seismic joints, building envelope continuity, and technical requirements for upgrading mechanical systems to modern performance standards.
• Assess Inclusive and Universal Design Solutions: Discuss the implementation of universal design principles that go beyond basic ADA compliance. Participants will assess how the facility utilizes intuitive wayfinding, inclusive locker room configurations, and accessible equipment layouts to ensure equitable use for a diverse student population.
• Examine Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Occupant Health: Examine the impact of high-performance glazing, natural ventilation strategies, and advanced lighting controls on the wellness of facility users. Participants will analyze how day-lighting and acoustic treatment are balanced within high-volume athletic spaces to reduce stress and improve the user experience.

Submitted for AIA/CES approval

Details: Check-in with an AIA Milwaukee officer at the main entrance along N 16th Street. Limited (metered) street parking is available.

Photo courtesy of Christy Radecic

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