Saint Leo Holds Topping-Off Ceremony For Wellness Center

Press release from Saint Leo University:

December 17, 2020

ST. LEO, FL – Today (December 17), Saint Leo University marked a construction milestone with the topping-off ceremony for the new Wellness Center. This facility, located on the west end of campus by Lake Jovita, will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services, and campus ministry. Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2021.

The last steel beam was hoisted into a spot at the top of the 59,000-square-foot building. Members of our campus community had the opportunity to sign their names to the beam, when it was outside the Student Activities Building for two days in November.

Because of COVID-19 safety protocols, attendance at the ceremony was limited.

Saint Leo’s bond-funded Wellness Center will feature:

● Resort-style pool featuring two lap lanes, an area to play volleyball and basketball, and a shallow area for lounging. It will be the largest infinity-edge pool at any university or college in Florida.

● Patio and pool deck will offer a 180-degree view of Lake Jovita.

● Fitness area with cardio equipment, free weights and machines, as well as a dance studio, yoga studio, and cycling center offering a variety of scheduled class programming.

● Health Services, University Ministry, Counseling & Prevention Services, and Recreation services.

● Large, multipurpose gymnasium boasting an indoor walking track, that can be converted for a variety of events—from basketball games and meetings to wedding receptions and formal galas.

● Café offering healthy options including smoothies, salads, wraps, and snacks. An outdoor poolside barbecue and seating area will include a large gas grill and fire pit.

Creative Contractors of Clearwater, FL, is serving as the construction firm for the project while S3 Design Inc. of Braintree, MA, is handling the architectural design; and JLL of Tampa is providing project management services.

About Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 57 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 18,200 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 98,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.

This press release was produced by Saint Leo University. The views expressed here are the author's own.