Temple Student Health University will soon break ground on a state of the art Temple Student Health and Wellness Center, located only half a block away from the proposed $126 million stadium. This has been met with fierce opposition from residents of the area.
Thursday’s announcement by the university stated that the two-and a half-story facility at the intersection of 15th Street & Montgomery Avenue will provide enhanced clinical space for College of Temple Student Health students, as well space for weight training and recreation.
Moody Nolan designed the 95,000-square foot project. This is the same architecture firm that Temple Student Health hired to do a feasibility study on the proposed stadium site. The location was bounded by Broad Street west, 16th Street, and Norris Street south, to Montgomery Avenue.
The Board of Shaker Exercise Trustees mentioned student recreation centers and retail when Temple announced funding for a design plan for a stadium in February.
A month later, Temple’s Board of Trustees approved a $28.5million facility that includes space for indoor recreation, sports, and clinical programs through College of Public Health.
Brandon Lausch, Temple spokesperson, confirmed to PhillyVoice the existence of the Center for Health and Wellness. This recreation center was first mentioned by the Board of Trustees when it resolved the stadium issue.
Lausch stated that even though the two projects were designed together, they are quite distinct. “Construction costs were approved independently.”
Lausch said that there could be synergy between these properties if the stadium plan is approved.
Neil D. Theobald, President of Temple University, expressed excitement about the Temple Student Health and Wellness Center. He referred only to the university’s comprehensive campus plan over the next years, without mentioning the stadium.
Theobald stated Thursday that “this dynamic, multipurpose facility will add to our students’ academic, athletic, and recreational space.” It enhances Temple’s student experience and addresses the important needs identified by our Visualize Temple campus plan.
The College of Public Health’s new portion will be used primarily by the occupational and physical therapy departments as they move from Temple’s Health Sciences Center (Main Campus)
Patrick Kraft, Director of Athletics, stated that having a bigger indoor practice field is something our department and student-athletes wanted. “This is yet another example of how we are committed to providing the best space and support for Temple student athletes.”
The Temple Student Health and Wellness Center is expected to be completed in 2017. It is one of many facilities that Temple plans to build on its Main and satellite campuses over the next few years.