$24M renovation planned for UA’s HPER Building

The University of Arkansas’ multipurpose Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building (HPER) on North Stadium Drive will undergo a 15-month renovation starting this summer, aiming to modernize the four-story building’s infrastructure and enhance the overall recreation experience for students and members.

This project will expand the fitness center space by 13,000 square feet and introduce new features such as turf functional training areas, updated fitness equipment, multi-purpose spaces and modernized locker rooms.

According to UA officials, the $24 million renovation is funded through general obligation bonds supported by existing facilities fees, following student advocacy for a revamped campus recreation hub.

The University Recreation department is housed in the HPER and helps to run the facility’s daily operation.

“This will be an impactful improvement for our students and the university community,” said Kristin DeAngelo, interim executive director of University Recreation. “University Recreation is committed to the health and wellness of our campus, and it shows in this renovation. We are very thankful to the students who led the efforts to fund this project and are now able to see it come to fruition.”

DeAngelo said all University Recreation programming and offerings will be available during construction.

C.R. Crawford of Fayetteville is the general contractor. Architectural firms SmithGroup of Michigan and Hufft in Bentonville are leading the design work.