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Issued by: Yvette Craig 414-229-6778 yvette@uwm.edu Date: May 13, 2004

Klotsche Closed For Summer as Remodeling Begins

MILWAUKEE - The UWM Klotsche Center is temporarily closing its doors May 17 to Sept. 1, 2004 as the facility’s addition, remodeling and parking project moves forward. Alternative sites, including area fitness facilities, have made options available to campus fitness seekers.

Klotsche Center Director Steven Mohar said some of the fitness equipment is being relocated to the Green Room in the Sandburg Residence Halls, and will be open only to UWM students, continuing students, and Klotsche Center members. Engelmann Gym will open for basketball and volleyball.

“We realize that the on-campus fitness facilities we will be providing (this summer) may not accommodate all of our users’ needs,” Mohar said. “Therefore, several area fitness facilities have offered to provide short-term membership options for UWM students and UWM Klotsche Center members.”

The off-campus fitness centers cooperating with UWM students and Klotsche members include:

• YMCA of Metro Milwaukee (all locations)
• Wisconsin Athletic Club (all locations)
• Bally Total Fitness, 1237 N. Van Buren St, Milwaukee
• Shorewood Community Fitness Center, 1701 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood
• Shorewood VHE Pool, Shorewood Recreation Center at Shorewood High School
• Harvey & Rose Samson Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay.

Contact these facilities directly for additional information regarding fees and amenities.

The Klotsche project, which has a price tag of $42,117,000, has been under way since July 2003. Funded largely through user fees, the expansion will provide space for intramural and recreational activities, the College of Health Science's Physical Therapy program, expanded and consolidated facilities for the Sports Medicine program, and replacement support space for the intercollegiate athletics programs.

In addition, this project will construct a five-level underground parking structure providing approximately 624 spaces (plus 43 surface spaces). The addition has resulted in the loss of 300 parking spaces in the lot north of the Klotsche, making parking more of a challenge on campus.

The good news, Mohar said, is the new parking structure is taking shape. By mid-summer, more activity above ground will be noticeable.

Changes occurring this summer that require Klotsche to be closed, except for limited access to the arena for summer camps, include locker room remodeling, new filtration system in the swimming pool, building ventilation upgrade, and new floors and paint for the racquetball courts, among others.

The project, which is on schedule, is anticipated to be available for full occupancy during summer, 2005.