Aztec Recreation Center Expansion San Diego State University

The expanded and renovated Aztec Recreation Center reflects the voice and the needs of SDSU students, prioritizing a wide range of wellness activities and meeting sustainability goals. A 40-foot climbing wall, fitness studios, athletic courts, yoga rooms and cycling studios create a vibrant and active space for student wellness.

While the existing Aztec Recreation Center (opened in 1997) was constantly abuzz with students and activity, the Associated Students, who own and operate the building, sought to expand the facility to offer a more holistic wellness experience and a place that would serve as a “living room” for the west side of campus. Inspired by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, the goal was to renovate and expand the ARC to be more than a place to work out, offering a full range of wellness activities and spaces not previously offered, all while operating sustainably and achieving LEED Platinum with the input of student organizations.

Importantly, the ARC has always served as a source of social connectivity for students. One of the design goals was to capitalize on this and create a central hub (spine) that promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie. SDSU envisioned the expanded and reimagined Aztec Recreation Center to be engaging for a broad cross-section of the student population, inclusive for students of all backgrounds and inviting to non-traditional recreation center users.

Architect : Smith Group

Total Construction Cost : $61M

Square Feet : 138,000

Credit: Athletic Business