Designing for Wellness Part 1: UVM Rec and Wellness
A Conversation with Tom Karlhuber on UVM’s On-Campus Multipurpose Center
INTRODUCTION
In Fall 2022, the University of Vermont (UVM) unveiled the first phase of its ambitious transformation of the Patrick-Forbush-Gutterson (PFG) Athletic Complex. At the heart of this renovation is the Rec and Wellness Center, a vibrant, multi-use facility designed to support the health and well-being of UVM’s 13,000 students. This was followed by upgrades to Varsity Athletics, and together, these early phases mark meaningful progress on the On-Campus Multipurpose Center (OCMC), part of a broader, long-term vision for campus wellness and athletics. Our marketing manager, Tracey Dengler, sat down with architect Tom Karlhuber to discuss the full scope of the design – from group fitness and bouldering walls to hydrotherapy and academic support spaces.
PHASE ONE: A NEW ERA FOR CAMPUS RECREATION
Tracey: Tom, can you give us a sense of the scope of the first phase of the project?
Tom: This phase focused on renovating the northernmost portion of the complex, near the basketball area. It includes the Rec and Wellness Center – primarily group fitness spaces – and a new Multi-use Athletic Court, or MAC. We also built out the lower level of the connecting spine between the existing hockey arena and the future Tarrant Center. That spine now houses varsity hockey locker rooms, a media room, and sports medicine facilities.
Tracey: What makes the MAC court such a standout feature?
Tom: The MAC is probably the most exciting part of this phase. It’s a flexible, high-energy space lined for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, indoor soccer, and floor hockey. It includes retractable volleyball nets, basketball hoops, and dasher boards for hockey. There’s also a bouldering wall designed in collaboration with Petra Cliffs, which adds a unique vertical element to the space. The court is flooded with natural light thanks to new clear skylights, and the bold color palette gives it a fresh, modern feel.
Tracey: How did the design evolve over time?
Tom: The original project started in 2017, but the first phase really took shape around 2019. COVID slowed things down, but UVM had already raised significant funds – around $20 million – which allowed us to move forward. The design evolved to better meet the needs of both varsity athletics and the broader student body. We consolidated group fitness spaces, added a spin room with integrated lighting and sound, and created a central admin suite for campus recreation staff.
Tracey: Were there any challenges working within the existing 1960s structure?
Tom: Absolutely. The building’s age and layout posed challenges, especially in creating distinct zones for varsity athletics and student recreation. We aimed to push student-focused programming to the north and varsity to the south, creating identifiable zones while respecting the constraints of the existing footprint. We also had to bring everything up to code, which meant significant fireproofing and HVAC upgrades.
Tracey: What role did sustainability play in the renovation?
Tom: While this phase was primarily an interior renovation, the larger project includes robust energy modeling, especially for the new Tarrant Center. For the Rec and Wellness Center, we focused on efficient HVAC systems and maximizing natural light, which significantly improved the quality of the space.
Tracey: Who were your key collaborators on this phase?
Tom: Internally, I worked closely with Richard Deane and Peter Burns. On the construction side, PC Construction led the build. Engineering Ventures handled the existing conditions, and BBH out of Connecticut provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. We also collaborated with UVM’s campus recreation team and Greg Bates, Director of Campus Recreation and Associate Athletic Director, who was instrumental in shaping the programming.
CONCLUSION: CAMPUS RECREATION AND STUDENT WELLNESS
The On-Campus Multipurpose Center represents a small but meaningful part of a comprehensive plan that continues to shape the university’s priorities – even as timelines and construction sequencing evolve. With vibrant, flexible spaces like the MAC court, group fitness studios, and a dedicated spin room, the Rec and Wellness Center offers students a dynamic environment to stay active, connect, and recharge. Thoughtfully designed and strategically located, these upgrades reflect a broader vision – one that prioritizes health, inclusion, and the evolving needs of a growing campus community.