Students returning to William Paterson University this fall will continue to see construction around campus as two major renovation projects totaling more than $44 million reshape some of the university’s most heavily used facilities.
The projects include the ongoing construction of the Recreation and Health Sciences Center and a newly funded renovation of the Atrium Learning Lab Hub, both designed to improve academic spaces, student wellness and campus resources.
Recreation and Health Sciences Center
Construction continues on the university’s new Recreation and Health Sciences Center, a $40 million expansion of the current Sports and Recreation Center that is expected to be completed in June 2027.
Once finished, the project will more than double the size of the existing building with a new 55,000-square-foot, two-story addition.
For students, that means several new campus resources, including:
- A health and wellness center with medical and counseling services
- A dedicated women’s health center
- A health clinic, pharmacy and examination rooms
- A 25-meter natatorium for recreational and competitive swimming
- A multipurpose academic gym
- Additional fitness and activity spaces
The expansion will also create new classrooms, laboratories and observation rooms for students studying sports medicine, exercise physiology, athletic training, sport management and physical education.
University President Richard J. Helldobler previously called the project “transformational,” saying it will strengthen both student wellness and health sciences education.
Atrium Learning Lab renovation
Students can also expect changes inside the Atrium after William Paterson received $4.3 million in state funding to modernize the building’s learning spaces.
The renovation will update portions of the 42,000-square-foot Atrium, which has served students since opening in 1996.
Plans include:
- Renovated collaborative learning areas
Photo Courtesy: William Paterson University - Technology-enhanced classrooms
- Improved accessibility
- Better use of the building’s ground and second floors
- New HVAC and building system upgrades
The project is intended to create more flexible learning spaces while replacing aging infrastructure that has been in place for nearly three decades.
What it means for students
Combined, the two projects represent more than $44 million in campus improvements.
While construction may continue over the next two years, students can expect expanded health services, upgraded academic facilities and modern learning environments once the projects are complete. Together, the renovations reflect one of the university’s largest recent investments in campus infrastructure and student resources.
Although the news for the renovations was broken months ago, it’s prevalent for students to know how much the university is investing in academic and athletic growth.
