Cornell secured Kahler Slater architecture firm and Mortenson Construction Company for this capital project. The design concept for the Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center revolves around creating an inclusive facility that is rooted in function and allows Cornell College to recruit top students, athletes, coaches, and staff. The facility will be the antithesis of its current state: fully accessible (exterior ADA access to both levels and elevator within), visually open both inside and out, right-sized for today and beyond, and a living showcase of the past, present, and future of athletics and recreation at Cornell College. 

When completed the renewed Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (with a new acronym of the SAW) will become a vital hub of campus life for the Cornell community.

The project will encompass the following facility enhancements:

• Expanded and welcoming lobby, which will include informal gathering spaces to provide a welcoming environment for students and visitors
• A new wellness and fitness center for the entire college community 
• New team locker room facilities for all student-athletes
• New centralized office spaces for coaches, staff, and administration including a much-needed conference room. 
• Teaching, learning, and exercise space for dance, yoga, spin classes, and other small group exercise and training.

“Athletics has strategic importance to Cornell. As the college prepares for a decline in high school graduates in an already competitive recruitment environment, athletics is critical to our future. An investment in this campaign is an investment not just in athletics and wellness facilities but in Cornell’s future and in our students.” -Jonathan Brand, President