Center of Attention

The Mashouf Wellness Center was designed with the latest advances in green building technology in mind and is on track to be rated Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum, the highest designation for green construction.

The new Mashouf Wellness Center front view

The striking new building at the corner of Lake Merced and Font boulevards, which has been under construction since the summer of 2015, is now a regular destination for students and the SF State community to meet for fun and exercise. It was the first major on- campus construction since the Village at Centennial Square student housing complex was completed in 2001.

“The center has made our University more beautiful and will bring our campus community closer together,” President Les Wong said.

The 118,700-square-foot facility, which opened Aug. 23, features fitness and weight areas, courts for racquetball and squash, two wood-floored studios, one matted exercise studio, a sauna, a lap pool, a recreation pool and a large multi-use space that can host team sport activities, as well as dances and large lectures. A purple indoor jogging track wends its way past treadmills, stationary cycles and Stairmasters on the second floor, then cruises past the indoor soccer area and the multi-sport gym. Natural lighting from two-story windows helps guide the way while giving runners a view of Lake Merced Boulevard, the neighboring softball field and Font Boulevard.

A student trying out the new pool at the Mashouf Wellness Center
Participants of a fitness program at the Mashouf Wellness Center

The $86.5 million center was funded by student fees and private donations, including a lead gift from alumnus Manny Mashouf, founder of the women’s fashion brand bebe. Before the new center was built, recreation facilities were housed in the 1950s-era Gymnasium building and shared with the University’s athletic teams and the Department of Kinesiology. That limited the space and equipment available to students, according to Campus Recreation Director Pamela Su.

“We want this to be a hub of the campus community, not only for those who want to maintain their health and relieve stress, but also for students who want to socialize, meet others and create friendships,” she said.

Alumni shouldn’t feel jealous that they didn’t have something like the Mashouf Wellness Center during their days on campus. Members of the SF State Alumni Association can purchase a membership to use the facilities. Drop in for details (755 Font Blvd.) or send a message to members@mail.sfsu.edu.