Renovated recreation complex opens at Eastern Michigan University

The newly expanded Olds-Robb Recreation/Intramural building has opened at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti after several months of construction and renovation.

The Ann Arbor News reports that the university renovated 72,000 square feet of existing space and built a 33,000-square-foot addition.

The goal of the upgrade is to improve the look, feel and utility of the building. It now has a more open floor plan, better entrances for students and a better view of campus.

The first and second floors of the building are open for students; floors three through five remain closed, says Justin Jett, the center's director. Plans to reopen those floors will be announced at a later date.

The first floor features some social spaces, table games, like pool and ping pong, and an esports lounge, which now is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second floor is the main fitness area, with cardio and weight machines, dumbbells, squat racks and barbells.

The third floor houses basketball courts, and the fourth floor has an indoor track and more fitness space. The fifth floor is a classroom activity area.

The project cost $16.8 million and was paid for with student fees.

Olds-Robb opened in 1982 and has not received major improvements, other than routine maintenance, since its original construction, according to the university.