Major construction complete for Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center renovations

The renovation of the Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center first floor hit substantial completion in February – a pivotal point in the process that marks the end of major construction.

“It is always exciting when a project reaches substantial completion because it means the heavy construction work is at an end,” says Jay Wasson, chief operations officer for Physical Facilities. “We are pleased to be turning this project over to the client on time and under budget.”

When football operations relocated from the Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center to the newly constructed Football Performance Complex in August 2017, Athletics worked with Physical Facilities to identify a new purpose for the space and begin the process of transforming it through a strategic renovation.

This $2.7 million project, approved by the Board of Trustees in February 2018, has created academic support space inclusive of group study rooms, tutoring space and a flexible classroom on the first floor of the facility. In addition, a portion of the Newell Training Room has been renovated while the other part has been maintained to support volleyball, wrestling and other sports.

“Our goal was to create a place where student-athletes wanted to come. We wanted a space that matched many of the other learning environments located on our campus. Finally, we wanted to create a space that exhibited our commitment to the academic success of our student-athletes and matched the academic reputation of Purdue University,” says Ed Howat, senior associate athletic director of student services. “We believe we accomplished these goals, and we cannot wait for our student-athletes to take advantage of the newly renovated Brees Academic Performance Center.”

Construction activities began in earnest last fall, and substantial completion was reached in early February. The facility will be turned over to Athletics for occupancy next week.