ST. PAUL, MN -- After a year and a half of construction, Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, opened its new Leonard Athletic and Wellness Center last year. The $45 million, 175,000-square-foot center gives Macalester a recruiting boost among small liberal arts colleges, school officials say. The new facility’s indoor swimming pool, 200-meter track and gymnasium qualify Macalester to host regional and national competitions.
The facility includes green design elements, such as energy-efficient roof design and materials to help reduce heating and cooling costs.
The center’s Deno Fitness Center is a 9,000-square-foot fitness area that is triple the size of the previous facility and includes stationary bikes, treadmills, circuit-training equipment and free weights. Students also are able to take classes in yoga, Pilates and stress management at the new facility or enjoy a break at the new juice bar.