Construction began this month at Moraine Valley Community College on a health and wellness center modeled loosely after similar facilities linked to Loyola University and the University of Illinois.

The Health Wellness and Education Center, scheduled to open in February 2014, will include a fitness center run by the college and a health care portion of the facility operated by MetroSouth Medical Center.

The wellness concept has become popular as a way to promote health and prevent illness. MVCC officials looked to the Loyola Center for Fitness in Chicago, part of Loyola University Health System, and the University of Illinois Wellness Center in Champaign as models for combining health care and fitness.

"One of the top things that students want is wellness, a workout center or fitness center," said Mark Horstmeyer, MVCC's director of college and community relations. "And our current facility was probably comparable to what area junior high schools have.

"We think it adds to the overall attractiveness of the campus."

The Health Wellness and Education Center will have a gym with three basketball courts and enough space to seat a graduation ceremony of 3,500, an indoor track and exercise equipment. There will also be a four-lane lap pool, athletic offices and locker space.

The adjoining health center will feature a walk-in primary care clinic with rotating doctors and space for physical and occupational therapy.

The facility will be open to students and the public, and college officials think it will fill a void in Palos Hills, which lacks a major fitness facility.

"We're kind of an oasis here, an island where there aren't a whole lot of these kinds of centers within a reasonable driving distance," said Andy Duren, executive vice president for the college.

Duren said the time was right for the project because of low interest rates on bonds to help front the approximately $30 million cost, which should be recouped by membership and student fees.

Palos Hills Mayor Jerry Bennett is hopeful the center will spur economic development in his town, similar to nearby Palos Heights, where Palos Community Hospital has helped drive economic growth.

"For every main business there are service businesses affiliated with it, and certainly that has happened and is growing in Palos Heights," Bennett said.