Asbestos, lead found in fitness center; Shingles says renovation project still on course

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The renovation process of the fitness center in the Student Activity Center  has run into some problems over the past few weeks.

CMU discovered asbestos and a high concentration of lead in the old wrestling space, said Stan Shingles, assistant vice president of University Recreation.

The issue was discovered two weeks ago, but there was a 10-day waiting period before abatement could occur. Shingles said it is being taken care of this week.

Lansing sophomores Tyler Allen, left, and Erin Smith, right, focus on each others technique during an ab workout Monday afternoon downstairs in MAC Room 2 of the Student Activity Center. (Photo by Victoria Zegler/Staff Photographer)

Despite the setbacks, Shingles said the construction crew is working ahead on other areas of the fitness center renovation, and therefore will not be far behind with the plans in the long run. The renovations are due for completion in March.

“The new fitness center, which is the most popular area of the SAC, is being built now as well as total renovation of the existing fitness center,” Shingles said. “The entire new fitness center will be separated in two by glass sliding doors, similar to those in the library, making the space very flexible.”

The original Rose Center was built in 1973 and, because of a low-bearing wall built where the mirrors in the old fitness center were, support is still needed.

The sliding doors will take the place of the old mirrors and the cost is $150,000 for the renovations on the old section. The new section is being built where the old wrestling room was and the new wrestling room will be moved to the Events Center.

The new fitness center space will almost double the size of what it was previous to construction.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the size increase,” said Flushing sophomore Brandon Hilsabeck. “Before, I never went at certain times because I didn’t want to deal with the crowd.”

While the renovation is taking place, three-fourths of the equipment and machines from the old fitness center were moved to one of the multi-activity centers in the SAC, where students can work out until the construction is complete.

“I was confused at first, but because it’s temporary, they’re working with what they have,” said Muskegon senior Sarah Burling. “I’m looking forward to the space being bigger and having more equipment.”

The renovations are affecting intramural sports, including soccer, floor hockey and drop-in events, Shingles said, but this is minimal compared to the potential reprucussions of not having a fitness center at all.

Along with complete renovation, planning has taken into account issues such as lighting and air flow improvement.

“We have increased air exchange in the new building plans for comfort levels,” Shingles said.

Also, the Fitness Assessment Center will move from the lower level to upstairs. Singles said it is one of the “hidden jewels” of the project.

Shingles said although the temporary placement of machines during the construction phase may be a hassle for students, the end result will be well worth it.

“People tell us this every day,” Shingles said. “This is going to change the fitness facility as a whole with the plans of unbelievable design and aesthetics.”