The University of Wisconsin-Stout began construction on a $31.7 million renovation and expansion of its Recreation Complex, according to a May 1 announcement. The project will add and remodel more than 39,000 square feet to improve student health, fitness, and wellbeing.
Campus leaders, alumni, legislators, and students attended the groundbreaking at the Sports & Fitness Center on April 30. Chancellor Katherine Frank said the project was made possible by both student support through fees and a $5 million donation from Dallas and Edye Pankowski. “We often talk about UW-Stout’s Polytechnic Mission – and at the heart of that mission is student success,” Frank said. “This renovation will support student success by prioritizing student health and wellness through modern, accessible recreation and athletic spaces.”
The renovation includes nearly 12,000 square feet of new space as well as updates to another 28,000 square feet in the facility originally built in 1963. Planned changes include converting a decommissioned pool into a multipurpose gymnasium, relocating weight rooms for better use of space, expanding locker rooms, adding multi-use studios and courts with a second-floor addition, as well as building a new entrance atrium named after the Pankowskis.
Dallas Pankowski said their gift would help students maintain active lifestyles: “We know that Stout has world-class laboratories to complement their ‘learn by doing’ philosophy,” he said. “This updated remodeling and addition to the gym facility will take a just adequate building and make it an outstanding facility. Stout is a school committed to progress.” Senior Facilities Officer Justin Utpadel said improvements were needed because existing infrastructure had not kept up with demand or standards: “Over time, the building’s infrastructure, layout, and capacity have struggled to keep pace with student demand… This renovation directly addresses those challenges.”
State Representative Clint Moses described how these upgrades could enhance recruitment: “This is going to be state-of-the-art… We need to attract these students here to create the jobs… Wisconsin needs.” Student athlete Maraya Wiltrout called it “a major step forward for UW-Stout Athletics,” while fellow junior Ian Bryant highlighted how ongoing construction shows investment in students’ futures.
Erin Sullivan credited campus leaders for advancing the project: “This project has involved a long journey… This renovation will transform this space into something truly special for our campus community.” Miron Construction serves as general contractor; Andrew Daniels noted that such projects provide real-world learning opportunities for UW-Stout interns working alongside professionals.
Frank concluded by saying: “The end result will be a renovated building that reflects a commitment to health and wellbeing in support of our campus and broader community.” The work is expected to finish by early 2028.
