Carnegie Mellon University announced Thursday that it will build a new student health, wellness and athletics center on its Oakland campus, thanks to a $35 million grant from Highmark Inc.
The 160,000-square-foot building will, for the first time, unite student well-being services under one roof, according to a Highmark press release.
The project, located at the corner of Tech and Margaret Morrison streets, aims to preserve and improve the existing Skibo Gymnasium for recreational use and construct a modern addition on the surrounding site.
As planned, the expansion will include space for university health services, counseling and psychological services and CMU’s intercollegiate athletics program, as well as recreational sports.
The building will face Schenley Park and is being billed as a “gateway to campus.”
“This new centralized facility will improve access to health services, counseling, wellness and athletics activities, with the goal of supporting students in building habits that will be the foundation for their future health, lives, and careers,” said Highmark Health president and CEO David Holmberg.
CMU president Farnam Jahanian said students’ mental and physical health is critical to ensuring their lifelong success, both personally and professionally.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Highmark Health to bring to fruition our vision for a unified, comprehensive facility that supports many facets of students’ well-being,” said Jahanian.
