Margot Connell Recreation Center

Igniting active and healthy student lifestyles

Client: Boston College
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States
Size: 244,000 square feet
Status: Completed; LEED Silver Certified

The Margot Connell Recreation Center is a truly unique facility both rooted in the tradition of Boston College’s collegiate gothic architecture and infused with leading-edge 21st century programming spaces and amenities. Standing four stories tall, the center is a beacon that redefines the future of fitness, recreation and wellness for the campus.

In line with Boston College’s principles around wellness, inclusivity and student life, the building is designed to welcome all through diverse programming, design choices and amenities. The building offers students and staff the opportunity to exercise, play sports, gather with friends and more. The design process was highly collaborative and united Boston College leaders, students, staff, design partners and builders.

Activity zones blend into one another to create dynamism and encourage engagement. The elevated jogging track pays homage to the Boston Marathon with a section akin to Heartbreak Hill at Mile 21 of the famed race.

004684 00 N31 Cdwebsite — Activity zones blend into one another to create dynamism and encourage engagement. The elevated jogging track pays homage to the Boston Marathon with a section akin to Heartbreak Hill at Mile 21 of the famed race.

004684 00 N32 Cdwebsite — Activity zones blend into one another to create dynamism and encourage engagement. The elevated jogging track pays homage to the Boston Marathon with a section akin to Heartbreak Hill at Mile 21 of the famed race.

Balancing Boston College’s collegiate gothic style with a future-focused program, the Connell Center is a one-of-a-kind destination that is appropriate for the campus and fuels exciting opportunities for the future.

004684 00 N39 Cdwebsite — Balancing Boston College’s collegiate gothic style with a future-focused program, the Connell Center is a one-of-a-kind destination that is appropriate for the campus and fuels exciting opportunities for the future.

The center is designed to reduce intimidation and promote inclusivity. Visual connections pervade the building and allow students to see across activity spaces and zones. This helps encourage students of all fitness levels and interests to use the building.

A central spine and stair fuel circulation and wayfinding throughout the building. It also inherently creates "soft" spaces for students to gather and socialize amidst the recreation areas. By every measure, the building works to promote healthy interactions.

A dynamic stair unites the four-story center and helps students easily get from one space to another.

004684 00 N48 Cdwebsite — A dynamic stair unites the four-story center and helps students easily get from one space to another.

As students traverse the center they are constantly able to see through, across and outside of the building. Abundant natural lighting also fills the space to elevate wellness experiences.

004684 00 N49 Cdwebsite — As students traverse the center they are constantly able to see through, across and outside of the building. Abundant natural lighting also fills the space to elevate wellness experiences.

004684 00 N34 Cdwebsite — As students traverse the center they are constantly able to see through, across and outside of the building. Abundant natural lighting also fills the space to elevate wellness experiences.

004684 00 N55 Cdwebsite — As students traverse the center they are constantly able to see through, across and outside of the building. Abundant natural lighting also fills the space to elevate wellness experiences.

This building has reshaped the look and feel of our campus. It is redefining the culture of fitness and recreation for the institution.

Jim Husson Senior Vice President for University Advancement, Boston College