Montana State Breaks Ground on Large Wellness Center

By SCN Staff

BOZEMAN, Mont.—Montana State University has broken ground on its new $78 million Student Wellness Center, designed by RDG Planning & Design in collaboration with Missoula-based MMW Architects. The venue replaces facilities that were damaged or destroyed following record snowfall in 2019, which resulted in a roof collapse of two gymnasia in the university’s fitness center.

Located on the south side of MSU’s campus in Bozeman, Montana, the new Student Wellness Center and its surrounding site create a best-of-class wellness center, encompassing allied departments from across the campus. The new building serves as a transformational space to support the mental and physical well-being of students and serves as the heart of student life on MSU’s south side.

“Crucial to student success, the wellness center will create a one-stop-shop for MSU students to find health, recreation, academic and athletic resources. This multi-functionality eliminates barriers to use, supports programming and promotes access for each student’s unique campus journey,” said RDG Architect Tom Ohle, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP.

Encompassing 150,000 square feet of new construction, the wellness center houses gymnasia and fitness spaces, outdoor programs, climbing and bouldering walls, a hybrid pool and remodeled group exercise, locker rooms and offices. University Health Partners, which provides medical, dental, counseling and health advancement services will be co-located in the facility, along with offices and labs for the Health and Human Development Department. The center is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

RDG Planning & Design is a multidisciplinary firm offering professional services in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, lighting design, strategic planning, urban and comprehensive planning and design, graphic design, engineering and integrated and public art.