Recreation Center, Student Center & Conference and Event Services
- Enterprise Management Client: This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces redundancies, and leverages economies of scale to optimize CSU’s campus center assets, advancing the university’s strategic objectives.
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Opened: Rec–August 2006
- Term:
- Rec 2006–Present
- Student Center 2022–Present
- Conference and Event Services 2024 – Present
- Total Size: 732,000 SF
- Total Cost: $73.8 M
CENTERS@CSU Recreation Center
Overview
Facility Facts
- 110,000 GSF
- 2 Basketball Courts
- Multipurpose Gymnasium
- 6 Fitness Studios
- F45 Studio
- 50 m. Competition Pool
- 25 yd. Instructional Pool
- 3-Lane, 70 ft. Functional Turf Space
- 4 Racquetball/Squash Courts
- Massage Therapy Studio
- Outdoor Green Roof Patio
- 40,000+ SF Fitness Floor
- Pro Shop
Sustainability Features
- LEED-certified facility
- Water refilling stations
- Low-flow capacity shower heads
- Use of hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning chemicals
- Reflective exterior glass
- Use of recycled materials throughout the facility
- LED lighting throughout facility
- Low- or zero-VOC paint throughout facility
- Self-sustaining “green” roof
CENTERS@CSU Student Center
Overview
In 2010, Cleveland State University advanced its Campus Master Plan by opening a new Student Center at the heart of campus. Following years of evaluating life-cycle management, customer service, and resource allocation, CSU expanded CENTERS’ campus portfolio in 2022, drawing on CENTERS’ 16-year success in managing University Recreation and Wellbeing. By adding operational management of the Student Center, CENTERS became the largest student employer on campus. With a multi-asset approach, CENTERS implements a unified operational model that includes an integrated organizational chart, coordinated student training, shared policies and procedures, a common emergency action plan, and increased campus-wide purchasing power. This enterprise management approach reinforces the Student Center as the campus’s central hub, enhancing efficiencies, eliminating redundancies, and reducing costs.
Facility Facts
- 120,000 GSF
- 6 Dining Locations including Chic-Fil-A and Starbucks
- Wellness Space with Massage Chairs and Nap Pods
- Ballroom
- Student Lounge
- University Bookstore
- Student Organization Offices and Workspaces
- Print and Mobile Services
- Computer Lab
- VikesConnect
- University Offices
CENTERS@CSU Conference and Event Services
Overview
In 2024, CENTERS expanded its partnership with Cleveland State University by incorporating Conference and Event Services (CES) operations, alongside the existing Recreation Center and Student Center. This strategic integration allows CENTERS to operate all three units with an entrepreneurial approach, streamlining operations, eliminating redundancies, and maximizing economies of scale. The result is a more efficient, cohesive service model that optimizes CSU’s campus center assets to meet the university’s strategic goals.
The CENTERS@CSU team is dedicated to delivering exceptional event management for campus functions, including high-profile events like commencement. Our services not only enhance CSU’s brand visibility but also build a robust market portfolio, improve customer service, and reduce operational risks. We manage a variety of on-campus venues—ranging from the 858 seat Waetjen Auditorium to cutting-edge athletic facilities to versatile meeting spaces—offering CSU and external clients the flexibility to host a wide range of events and welcome visitors from all over.
In addition to event management, CENTERS@CSU fosters collaboration with university stakeholders and local partners to drive tourism and amplify the economic impact of the greater Cleveland downtown area. Through this holistic approach, CENTERS supports CSU’s mission while positioning the campus as a dynamic hub for education, business, and community engagement.
Facility Facts
FACILITY FACTS – Conference and Event Services Venues (approximately 500,000 SF):
- Assembly/Auditorium/Atrium
- Student Center Ballroom/Atrium
- College of Law Atrium
- Julka Hall Atrium
- Levin School of Urban Affairs Building Atrium
- Berkman Hall Auditorium
- School of Music/Communication Auditorium
Lawn/Outdoor Venues
- Student Center Plaza
- School of Music/Communication Lawn
- CSU College of Law Lawn
- Mather Mansion Lawn
- Washkewicz Hall Lawn
- Krenzler Field
- Classroom Spaces
- Monte Ahuja College of Business Classrooms
- CSU College of Law Classrooms
- Berkman Hall Classrooms
- Science and Research Building Classrooms
- College of Health Classrooms
- Rhodes Tower/Rhodes Tower West Classrooms
Meeting Spaces
- Berkman Hall Conference Rooms
- Mather Mansion Conference Rooms
- Parker Hannifan Conference Rooms
- Levin School of Urban Affairs Building Conference Rooms
- Theatre & Arts Building [Middough Building] Studios/Blackbox
- Student Center Conference Rooms
Athletics & Recreation
- Physical Education Building
Nick Froelich, Executive Director
Mr. Froelich is a department head within the CSU Division of Business Affairs & Finance and is the senior leader responsible for the overall functional and day-to-day operation of CENTERS at Cleveland State University including the Recreation and Student Center. His leadership includes strategic planning; fiscal administration; human resource management; policy-making and implementation; facility maintenance; custodial services; member & guest services; fitness & wellness; aquatics & safety; intramurals; club sports, camps; adventure recreation; technology and marketing & advertising. He has been part of the Cleveland State team since 2012. Prior to joining CENTERS, he worked at the Student Activity & Academic Center at Emory University and interned at Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Froelich completed his graduate and undergraduate degrees at Georgia State University and The Ohio State University respectively. He is an active member of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation and has participated on many NIRSA committees and has had the privilege to serve in state, regional, and national roles including NIRSA Region III Regional Representative. He is a frequent conference presenter and assists CENTERS with management advisory services.
