Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center

A united front for holistic collegiate wellness

Client: The College of Holy Cross
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Size: 52,000 square feet
Status: Completed

Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art hub for collegiate recreation, wellness and intramural sports located on the school’s upper campus. It is a breakthrough project for the institution that reshapes its offerings and approach to student experience.

The new 52,000 square-foot-building—lovingly referred to as simply “The Jo”—offers expansive fitness and wellness spaces and truly expands opportunities, inclusion and more when it comes to student recreation, wellness and overall health. The three-story facility is also home to club and intramural sports and an expanded office for public safety.

The Jo brings new spaces and possibilities to the Holy Cross community, empowering a more balanced approach to health and wellness.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N5 Cdwebsite — The Jo brings new spaces and possibilities to the Holy Cross community, empowering a more balanced approach to health and wellness.

An elevated 1/10th mile running and walking track weaves through exciting graphics and offers stunning views through and outside of the building.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N21 Cdwebsite — An elevated 1/10th mile running and walking track weaves through exciting graphics and offers stunning views through and outside of the building.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N3 Cdwebsite — An elevated 1/10th mile running and walking track weaves through exciting graphics and offers stunning views through and outside of the building.

This new facility more than meets our ever-growing need for modern fitness and recreation spaces on campus. We know the vast majority of our students value wellness, and The Jo will be an essential component to the health and wellness of the minds, bodies and spirits of not only students, but the entire Holy Cross community.

Michele Murray Senior VP for Student Development and Mission / Dean of Students, The College of Holy Cross

Expansive cardio, weight and fitness areas are infused throughout The Jo that empower students to take their own fitness journey each time they visit.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N11 Cdwebsite — Expansive cardio, weight and fitness areas are infused throughout The Jo that empower students to take their own fitness journey each time they visit.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N2 Cdwebsite — Expansive cardio, weight and fitness areas are infused throughout The Jo that empower students to take their own fitness journey each time they visit.

Creating views, reducing intimidation and inspiring fitness—all of these are goals the design helps make possible.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N6 Cdwebsite — Creating views, reducing intimidation and inspiring fitness—all of these are goals the design helps make possible.

United for new possibilities

Beyond just simply expanding and updating recreation equipment, the Jo provides spaces for activities that never existed before on campus, including yoga, spinning and more.

Moreover, the building unites Holy Cross' Department of Campus Recreation, Student Wellness Education, a Worksite Wellness office and Public Safety. These are the essential partners in providing for the Holy Cross community's well-being, and they're now purposely under one roof.

The Jo sits on a sloped site with multi-level windows to create a bright, inviting space for the entire college community.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N15 Cdwebsite — The Jo sits on a sloped site with multi-level windows to create a bright, inviting space for the entire college community.

The building has become a wonderful visual beacon for the campus. "Everyone who comes to campus sees it, and it is a central part of what's happening on campus," shared Director of Recreation Jamie Shannon.

005297 01 Holycross Reccenter N9 Cdwebsite — The building has become a wonderful visual beacon for the campus. "Everyone who comes to campus sees it, and it is a central part of what's happening on campus," shared Director of Recreation Jamie Shannon.

The glass design is an especially important feature in a space like this because the visibility of the activity is motivational all by itself. The new space will make wellness activities more accessible and doable.

Jamie Shannon Director of Campus Recreation, The College of Holy Cross