The Wellness, Education, Leisure, and Lifestyle (WELL) expansion project at California State University, Sacramento received an Outstanding Facility 2022 award from the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).

The WELL expansion project is a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the existing WELL building that opened in 2010. The building functions as a fitness and recreation center, and a health and wellness center. Though the two uses are separate and occupy different parts of the building, they tie together with an overarching theme and purpose of health, mind, and body. A welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the WELL attracts the greater community to educational, cultural, and social experiences at Sacramento State. Informed by its context, the expansion’s design retains the original building’s iconic look—seamlessly blending the character of the two as if it were a singular project and creating a space to fulfill its mission of Lifetime Wellness Through Collaboration, Education, and Innovation. The American College of Health Association found that the top academic impediments at Sacramento State are procrastination, stress, anxiety, finances, sleep difficulties, and depression. The expanded programs, services, and inclusive spaces offered at The WELL contribute to the greater capacity to help students combat these academic impediments and graduate on time. The expansion—a collaborative design-build project with Swinerton—is targeting LEED Gold certification and WELL Certification by the International WELL Building Institute.

NIRSA is an advocate for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellbeing in higher education. Throughout the year, they recognize their members with several awards for contributions to the association and the profession. The Outstanding Facilities Awards, sponsored by AACER Flooring, recognizes excellence in the design of collegiate recreation and wellness facilities. To see the full list of winners, visit NIRSA’s website.