AI-generated rendering of a gathering space that is part of the Level Up initiative.

In fall of 2025, Lawrence University launched the Level Up project, a bold initiative focused on student health, wellness, and performance. The initiative includes two transformative projects, The Hub and The Loop, designed to bring together scholars, athletes, and musicians in ways that reflect Lawrence’s uniquely interconnected campus culture.

The Hub
The first phase of Level Up, The Hub will transform 56,000 square feet in downtown Appleton’s City Center East building into a state-of-the-art center for fitness, recreation, athletic training, and music performance. The space is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and personal growth.

“The Hub intentionally brings together wellness, athletics, and music, creating an environment that mirrors the way Lawrence students live, learn, and grow,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “This kind of creative, integrative thinking is exactly what today’s world and job market demand.”

Features will include:

• A Conservatory practice suite with state-of-the-art rehearsal modules, recording studio, and student gathering space.
• A fitness center; three game simulation bays; and inviting lounges and social spaces to foster connection and well-being.
• Dedicated athletic training areas, including fencing, batting cages with biometric feedback, and a hockey shooting area with synthetic ice.

The Hub is scheduled to open early 2027, and it was made possible through the gift of space from local businesses Pfefferle Investments, Hoffman Holdings, and the Thomas J. and Diana L. Janssen Revocable Trust.

The Loop
The second phase of Level Up, The Loop, will include the construction of an indoor training center adjacent to Alexander Gym. The facility will expand opportunities for athletic practice, wellness programming, and year-round engagement with the broader Fox Cities community.

Together, The Hub and The Loop represent a significant investment in the spaces where Lawrence students learn, train, create, and thrive.