Leaders Break Ground On $30 Million Renovations For Union County Facility

ELIZABETH, NJ — Union County and UCNJ Union College of Union County staff broke ground on a $30 million renovation to one of the school's athletic facilities on Tuesday.

The improvements being made to the Physical Education Center (PECK) are to enhance both student and the greater community use.

“The transformation of the current gymnasium to a modern, updated facility will help UCNJ fulfill its mission of transforming our community, one student at a time,” said UCNJ's President, Margaret McMenamin, Ed.D. “Revitalizing the PECK is about more than athletics; it’s about creating an environment that promotes learning, leadership, and excellence."

On Sept. 9, the Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) Board of Commissioners awarded a contract to Cranford's M&M Construction Company, Inc. for the project. The 42,000 square foot facility will now undergo upgrades to create a "high-tech, state-of-the-art facility."

Planning was announced for the following upgrades:

• Enhanced capability to host academic offerings in the fields of sports management and community program partnerships
• Seating upgrades and more space for athletic competition
• A new wrestling room, weight training facility, basketball court, a modernized training area, a new multi-use room, and more academic classrooms.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for Union County," said Director of UCIA Bibi Taylor, Ed.D. “Once complete, the new PECK will serve as the athletic hub and student resource center, advancing both athletics and academic excellence while creating new opportunities to bring our community together."

The space will also give the greater Union County community a new venue for large-scale events. These include college commencement ceremonies, which UCNJ now holds in a parking lot or costly venues.

“Every corner of this campus tells a story about opportunity,” added Lourdes M. Leon, Union County Commissioner Chairwoman.

An estimated completion date has not been released.

The project is being funded by Chapter 12 funds. Half is coming from Union County, and the other half is being fulfilled with state and capital money from UCNJ, according to Union County Communications Director Kelly Martins.

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