Completed in August of 2009, the $13 million PEC renovation project provided a significant and much needed upgrade to the original facility that was built in 1973. In addition to providing improvements desperately needed for RVC’s athletes, the new PEC expands the resources for the Fitness, Wellness, and Sport curriculum.

The new configuration of the PEC includes five modern “smart” classrooms (see left) with the latest technology that accommodate 25 to 40 students each and a lecture hall that seats 96. These new classrooms have allowed the FWS programs to expand and offer additional sections of its most popular classes. Beginning Spring 2010, a new Associate in Applied Science degree for Fitness, Wellness, and Sport is being offered in both Exercise Science and Sport Management concentrations, while two 30 hour certificates, one in Coaching Education and one in Personal Training, will also be offered.

Students, student-athletes, staff, and faculty will all benefit from the new state-of-the-art Fitness Lab, located on the west side of the facility. The Fitness Lab (see right) is a Cybex Showcase facility which houses an assortment of cardiovascular machines, weight lifting machines, and free weight equipment. Adjacent to the Fitness Lab is the new Dance/Exercise Studio. Previously housed on the ground floor of the building, the Dance Studio has been relocated to the main level and is bigger, better, and more accessible than ever.

Accessibility was another key issue the remodel addressed. A distinct main entrance now exists on the north side of the facility, and all entrances to the building are now handicap accessible and lead visitors into the main level of the building. Also, prior to the remodel, visitors were required to go downstairs to access restrooms, but now the building is conveniently equipped with restrooms on both floors. 

RVC student-athletes and coaches now enjoy a new wood gym floor, as well as a multi-purpose athletic surface with a 1/10 mile three lane track (see left) and interchangeable volleyball and basketball courts. Locker room facilities have also been enlarged and upgraded, and a new scoreboard and concession stand have been added for game days. 

Perhaps most importantly, the entire building was designed and built with a focus on energy efficiency. A “Green Build” philosophy was incorporated with a goal of obtaining Gold level L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. To help reach this goal, the facility was built by utilizing recycled products in its construction and is expected to drastically reduce energy consumption (see table below for more details), making this building the first of its kind in Rockford. 

View more photos of the PEC!

Sustainable Design Strategies

There are four levels of L.E.E.D. certification (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) and Rock Valley College has been awarded the gold level for the PEC remodel. Listed below are just some of the sustainable design strategies that went into the PEC project.

Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the PEC