UCNJ Launches $30M Modernization of Physical Education Center

The Union College of Union County (UCNJ) in Cranford, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $30-million modernization project for its Physical Education Center (PECK), according to a news release. The college partnered with DIGroup Architecture for the project’s design, transitioning the existing 42,000-square-foot structure into a campus hub for student athletics and campus life. Completion is scheduled for fall 2027.

New amenities will include expanded athletic areas with improved seating, a dedicated wrestling center, an upgraded weight-training center, an NJCAA-regulation basketball court, multiple physical training rooms, and the addition of multi-purpose and academic classrooms, according to the news release. The project consists of 30,500 square feet of renovation and 30,000 square feet of new additions.

“This modernization represents a profound investment in UCNJ’s student success and community engagement,” said Vincent Myers, principal at DIGroup. “Our design delivers on a vision that the PECK facility will be a high-performance, flexible resource, serving as a multi-purpose venue, from hosting competitive NJCAA athletics to serving as an academic ‘classroom’ for programs like sports management, for decades to come.”

The PECK facility will be “the centerpiece of the UCNJ campus,” according to the news release, and host major campus events including graduation ceremonies.

“This is an exciting moment in the PECK’s life cycle, as it delivers such a comprehensive transformation,” said Kelli Glasgow, DIG Associate Principal and senior project manager. “By integrating ultramodern facilities, complete with new academic spaces and capacity for large community events, the new PECK will truly maximize value and usage for the college and the greater Union County community.”

The college also partnered with M&M Construction Company, Inc., for general contracting services.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.

  • Fayetteville State University Opens New College of Education Building

    Fayetteville State University (FSU) in Fayetteville, N.C., recently celebrated the opening of a new $69.3-million College of Education building, according to a university news release.

  • William Penn Charter School

    Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.

  • Stanford Online Reveals New Immersive Learning Studio

    Stanford Online recently marked its 30th anniversary with the announcement of a new immersive learning studio, according to a university news release. The studio takes advantage of AI-powered and immersive learning technologies to continue delivering personalized and faculty-led education.