HPER Renovation

Beginning in summer 2024, the University of Arkansas’ HPER Building will start a 15-month renovation that will add modern infrastructure and architectural updates to the building, as well as other features that will enhance students’ and members’ overall recreation experience. The total cost of the HPER Building renovation is $24 million. Funding comes from general obligation bonds supported by the existing facilities fees. University of Arkansas students helped lead the discussion of needing an updated campus recreation hub to accommodate the increasing student population, and were successful in their efforts. The Board of Trustees approved the project in November 2023.

Key Features of the Overall Renovation Projects:

13,000 sq. ft. increase of fitness center space
Two new turf functional training areas
Additional, updated fitness equipment
New and improved multi-purpose spaces
Functional and modernized locker rooms

As we work through these improvements, we are guided by our priorities centered on student success and providing facilities that support programming for holistic wellness and to strengthen mind, body and spirit. We also are keeping our focus to ensure our facilities, programs and opportunities for participation is equitable, accessible and affordable for all Razorbacks. We want our facilities to encourage community building, social engagement and promote well-being for our Arkansas community.

All University Recreation programming and offerings will be available during construction. UREC's auxiliary facilities (UREC Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union, UREC Sports Complex, UREC Tennis Center and the Tsa La Gi Bike Park) will be open and operating under normal business hours during the renovation. The swimming pool in the HPER building will also be open and operating during the renovation.

Updates:

EQUIPMENT MOVE:

Starting in mid-July, all fitness equipment from the Donna Axum Fitness Center and HPER 220 will be relocated to HPER, Gym 1 (second floor) and the racquetball court hallway (first floor) where it will remain throughout the duration of the renovation. Specific dates for the equipment move are scheduled to take place Thursday, July 11th through Wednesday, July 17th. Equipment will still be available to use during this time.

HPER BLDG. DOOR CLOSURE:

As of Monday, June 3rd the West entry off the Meadow Street Parking Garage will be closed until further notice. Members will only be able to access the HPER Building through the North entry (Lot 302 previously known as 45A) or the Stadium Drive entrance. UREC Outdoors will still operate as normal. All UREC facilities and programming will be open and operating as normal during this time.

HPER BLDG. LOCKERS AND SHOWERS:

Throughout the renovation, our locker rooms and showers in the HPER Building will be temporarily offline. These spaces will undergo necessary upgrades to better accommodate and improve the user experience. Lockers and showers will be available at the UREC Fitness Center, located on the 2^nd floor of the Arkansas Union during this time.

If you currently have locker and/or towel service at the HPER building, please note that service will conclude on Sunday, July 14, 2024. We kindly request that you ensure your locker is emptied before this date. Any items left in lockers beyond this deadline will be removed and held for a maximum of one week before being discarded.

For those whose locker service is planned to be past the July 14^th date, we will also offer the option to have credit on your account for future membership/locker service.

Project Partners

Architects: SmithGroup & Hufft

Construction: C.R. Crawford

Construction Services: UARK Facilities Management

Design: RSM Design

Archived News Articles:

July 15, 2024: Phase One of HPER Building Renovations Unnderway
February 24, 2024: HPER Building to Undergo Extensive Renovations

Stay Connected

Have a question pertaining to the renovation? Please submit your question using this form and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.

Stay tuned for updates or follow along on our Instagram @urecarkansas.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during the renovation period and look forward to welcoming you to the new and improved campus recreation experience in Fall of 2025.