At the Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) public meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Board of Commissioners voted to award a construction contract to a local company to renovate the UCNJ Union College of Union County Physical Education Center (PECK)

Elizabeth, New Jersey – The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) recently announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the UCNJ Union College of Union County Physical Education Center (PECK). The $30 million construction project will transform the 42,000 square foot building into a high-tech, state-of-the-art facility located at the UCNJ Cranford, New Jersey campus. At a public meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Board of Commissioners voted to award the construction contract to a local company, M&M Construction Company, Inc.

“The reimagined PECK will transform the heart of campus athletics and community engagement at UCNJ,” said Dr. Bibi Taylor, Director, UCIA. “The new PECK will serve as the athletic hub and student resource center for UCNJ, enhancing the college’s ability to address athletic and academic needs, as well as host events that strengthen connections with the community. We look forward to seeing the transformation of this building into the state-of-the-art facility that our students and community deserve.”

The modernization of the current facility will be designed to support National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) athletic programs, ensuring student-athletes have the resources and environment to excel at the highest level.  Key upgrades include:

• Expanded sports-related academic offerings from sports management to community program partnerships.
• Improved seating and ample athletic space to ensure safety and compliance.
• A new wrestling room, weight training center, NJCAA regulation basketball court, modernized physical training room, multi-purpose room, as well as academic classrooms.

“Our student athletes are an important part of the UCNJ community,” said Christopher Kolibas, Chairperson, Board of Commissioners, UCIA. “Modernizing PECK will give our community a cutting-edge facility they can be proud of. We are excited to be a part of this next chapter for the UCNJ athletics program.”

“Thank you to our Union County Commissioners who helped fund this important project, along with the capital funds provided by UCNJ. Together we are working to build a stronger academic institution that will further enhance the Union County community,” added Dr. Taylor.

The PECK will also serve as a venue for large-scale events that enhance the college’s relationship with the community. The renovated facility will allow UCNJ to host the college’s spring and winter commencement ceremonies at a significantly lower cost in the future. Currently, UCNJ hosts its spring commencement outdoors in its large parking lot and is subject to weather conditions. In the winter, it relies on expensive external venues.

“This investment represents more than a building renovation — it is a commitment to the people of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “By modernizing PECK, we are strengthening educational opportunities, creating spaces that inspire achievement, and ensuring our county continues to thrive for generations to come. This project reflects our vision of building a stronger, more connected community where students and residents alike can succeed.”

M&M Construction Company, Inc., based in Cranford, New Jersey, was awarded the contract after submitting the lowest responsible bid.

About the Union County Improvement Authority

The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) plans, develops and manages public improvements in Union County. The UCIA’s role varies from project to project and includes planning and permitting, selection and oversight of design/development teams, requests for proposal and contract administration, contractor oversight and coordination, infrastructure construction and post-construction monitoring. The UCIA is unique because of its financing capabilities and extensive project management experience. This distinctive combination enables the UCIA to provide assistance to ensure public projects are completed in a cost-effective and professional manner. For more information about the UCIA, visit https://ucimprovementauthority.org/.