About the Building

Just minutes off interstate 75, nestled quietly among rolling hills, is central Kentucky’s newest jewel, Seabury Center. Seabury Center represents a major commitment by Berea College to the health and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff. The $10.5 million multipurpose wellness complex covers three levels and 106,996 square feet of space.

Matching Seabury Center to existing campus architecture (part of which required renovating the 1927 Seabury Gymnasium) was a huge challenge, and the successful result earned Messer Construction Company the “Build Kentucky Award” for 1995 from the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky.

Academic programs, intercollegiate athletics, campus recreation/intramural programs and an expanding emphasis on wellness programming for students, faculty and staff of the College operate harmoniously in Seabury Center. While the first priority of Seabury Center is its instructional mission, the Berea community, too, depended upon for financial support, has been invited to share in what Seabury has to offer. A limited number of community and alumni memberships for individuals and families are offered annually. Community groups also partake of Seabury facilities at attractive rental rates.

Seabury Center’s main forum is home to intercollegiate volleyball and basketball as well as concerts, festivals and other events. Seating capacity for athletic contests is 2,000; for concerts and other attractions, 3,000. A 200 yard indoor track circles the upper level of the main forum. The college’s swimming and diving team trains in Gunkler Natatorium, named in honor of the College’s dynamic physical educator, “Occie Gunkler.” The “Wilson Evans” Tennis Center, named too for one of its favorite sons, features 11 all-weather tennis courts inviting players to the magnificent hillside retreat.