BRAC Project Just Shy of Finish Line

Writer

Bryan Lipiner

Bryan Lipiner is the Senior Manager for Social Media and Content Marketing at Babson College. Since arriving at Babson in 2019, he has dramatically scaled engagement and followings on Babson’s social media channels, led award-winning social media campaigns, written for Babson Thought & Action, and more. Prior to Babson, he worked as a reporter and editor at the Record-Journal newspaper in central Connecticut. Bryan received his undergraduate degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2015.

| July 12, 2019

Listen

For about a year and a half, the future Babson Recreation and Athletics Complex (BRAC) has been slowly rising on College Drive, from a steel frame to an enclosed building to its near-completed state.

In just a month’s time, the project will be finished and will unofficially open for the arrival of student-athletes for the 2019–2020 academic year.

“With a building like this, we’re going to move from a small fitness and rec operation to a sizable private gym-quality facility,” said Larry Ward, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “It will be the type of facility where students will want to work out in.”

“It’s already rewarding to see the state of things and what it’s going to be able to offer,” said David Grissino, director of capital projects. “It takes a tremendous amount of effort by a lot of people to do a project like this.”

Designing of the building, which features three basketball courts, two floors of exercise spaces, and multipurpose recreational rooms, began in 2014. Plans were finalized in 2016 and construction started the following year.

“It’s been a concept for a long time, getting the idea about what it would be took a little work,” Grissino said.

The addition will double the size of overall complex to about 175,000 square feet, and will address what Grissino said are critical needs of students as part of the College’s health and wellness initiatives.

“To be able to have opportunities for our students to do things outside of class, intramural sports, pickup games, coming to use the fitness area … it was a big missing piece,” he said.

Varsity athletes will now have their own locker rooms and an improved sports medicine area, while athletic administration will be housed in new offices.

With weeks to go, crews are putting finishing touches on spaces, and working to complete mechanical and landscaping work. A grand opening is scheduled for shortly after Labor Day.

BRAC is one of four capital projects at Babson, along with the Weissman Foundry, Kerry Murphy Healey Park and Babson Globe, and Babson Commons at Horn Library.

Posted in Community

Tagged Athletics, Campus, Centennial, Student Life

Latest Stories

Babson student pitches startup from the stage

Mentors, Investors, and Proud Parents: Who’s Watching Babson’s Summer Venture Showcase It’s not just about startups and pitches. The people in the audience at Babson’s Summer Venture Showcase make it a hub of connections and support.

By Hillary Chabot

Writer

Hillary Chabot

Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.

August 7, 2025

Tagged Alumni, Undergraduate, Graduate, Startups

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership