The Wellness Center at Saint Leo University represents the first new building in the campus’ westward expansion. The program envisions an active hub for student life that combines fitness and recreation, clinical health services, mental health counseling, and spiritual support. This combination of programs reflects SLU’s commitment to the holistic health of the campus community. It will serve as a vibrant destination that will unite the campus by drawing students from both sides of campus.

The building occupies a rare Florida hillside that features dramatic views of Lake Jovita. The massing blends into the landscape as it steps down the hill, breaking into multiple volumes connected by a glass spine. The building form embraces two outdoor features: a campus-facing contemplative garden and a recreational pool terrace. The spine is a public gathering space that provides views into the building’s activity spaces and out to the contemplative garden to the west that culminates with expansive views to the pool and lake to the north.

As the first new building of the precinct plan, the Wellness Center establishes a language for future buildings intended to transition between the campus’ past and future. The building presents a more traditional face to campus that evokes the main campus architecture. This expression is pierced by elements framed in glass and wood that increase as the building descends the hill towards the lake.