When the Rec/IM building was first constructed in the 1980s, it was an incredible facility for its day. Since then, however, the facility has suffered from a lack of upgrades and a shift in what’s expected from recreation facilities. As pressure from the student body grew, Eastern Michigan University saw upgrading the Rec/IM building as essential for student recruitment and retention. 

Where once were rows of dark hallways filled with racquetball courts, there is now an emphasis on cardio and weight fitness areas. These are enhanced with visual connectivity created by opening up the two main floors of the five-story building. Using large amounts of glass on the exterior allows ample natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. 

With its location between two major parts of campus, the exterior of the RecIM building also received an upgrade, showcasing it as a major path through campus. Upgrades to the pedestrian circulation of the building allow it to be an easy path between major points on campus and ease monitoring the entire building with less personnel than before. 

Other elements of the renovated space include new power, data, and HVAC infrastructure, grab-and-go food and hangout locations for students, and gender-neutral restrooms.