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University of Tennessee to Transform Walmart into Recreation Center

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Concept art of the University Recreation Center featuring fitness areas and modern design.

News Summary

The University of Tennessee is set to convert a vacant Walmart building into a state-of-the-art student recreation center. The Board of Trustees has approved a 99-year lease for 120,000 square feet, significantly enhancing campus life and wellness. This facility will provide various recreational options, including fitness classes and sports facilities, ultimately fostering a healthier, more active student body. Additionally, similar enhancements at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga highlight a commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

KNOXVILLE – The University of Tennessee is preparing to transform a former Walmart building into a state-of-the-art student recreation center, which has been empty since March 2019. The Board of Trustees has given the green light for the university to lease 120,000 square feet of this facility, marking an important step forward in enhancing student services on campus.

This new recreation center will be strategically located between the main campus and the Agriculture campus, making it accessible to a large number of students and faculty. The lease for the building has been secured for an extensive term of 99 years, except in cases where the university may choose to terminate it or acquire the foundation’s interests in the property.

The University of Tennessee Foundation will facilitate this significant acquisition by leasing the property to the university. The total prepayment for the lease amounts to $15.625 million, with provisions for adjustments based on any acquisition pricing and closing costs incurred by the foundation. Additionally, the university will be responsible for ongoing operational and maintenance costs, along with any necessary on-site improvements or build-outs of the facility.

The reopening of the recreation center comes at a time when student wellness and access to recreational facilities are increasingly significant for university environments. This initiative is anticipated to greatly enhance the recreational options available to students, likely including fitness classes, sports facilities, and social spaces.

In conjunction with these developments at the University of Tennessee, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recently implemented an ADA-compliant chair lift at its Aquatic and Recreation Center. This improvement was made possible through a $10,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and underscores a commitment to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with mobility challenges. The chair lift will serve students, faculty, staff, and alumni while allowing for expanded community use.

Facilities such as these are essential for promoting physical fitness and community engagement among university populations. As recreational centers evolve into inclusive spaces that cater to a variety of needs, the availability of essential equipment like chair lifts enhances the overall user experience. The Aquatic and Recreation Center not only provides swimming lessons and lifeguard certification courses but also serves as a focal point for campus activities.

The plans for the student recreation center at the University of Tennessee signal a commitment to improving campus life and enhancing student well-being through increased access to recreational opportunities. The hope is that this center, along with the enhancements at UTC, will set a precedent for future improvements across university campuses in Tennessee and beyond, ultimately fostering healthier, more active student communities.

In summary, the University of Tennessee’s decision to lease and convert the former Walmart building into a recreation center exemplifies a strategic investment in student life. Alongside the adaptive initiatives at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, these developments reflect a broader trend of enhancing campus facilities to better serve diverse student populations.

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STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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Article Sponsored by:

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