Students are excited about the thought of working out in the new University Recreation Center.

"There's just not enough space in the current work-out facilities," said student Erin Murray.

The recreation center will be in the center of campus, on the site of some tennis courts. It's a sustainable building, and a first for MSU.

"The students on this campus are very interested in sustainable design, and a sustainable future, and they've really kind of pushed the envelope in order for the university to pursue LEED certification," said University architect Doug Sampson.

MSU hopes to achieve the Silver rating in the LEED system, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

"I think if we set the example now, other people will get it rolling, and it's really a domino effect," said Murray, who is the co-president of Students for a Sustainable Future.

Some of the 'green' building features include sensors to control lighting and temperature, and extra windows and skylights to cut down on the need for electric lights. Rain water won't just run off.

"We're looking at some small rain gardens within the site possibly. We've looked at some pervious pavement materials," said Sampson.

Materials used in the walls themselves will be environmentally friendly. This type of construction may also be new for the contractors.

"We're meeting with the contractors this afternoon to explain the process to them," said Sampson.

It's a process that the university will also use in the new agriculture center, and into the future.

"I really do believe the new facilities that are designed from now on will be using a lot of the sustainable design features," said Sampson.

The $24 million University Recreation Center and the $5.6 million Agriculture Center should both go out for bid to contractors just after the first of the year. Construction should begin in early spring. The recreation center should be complete by fall 2011.

To learn more about the projects, visit: Missouri State University Architect page