Enhancing Student Life and Wellness: New Fitness Center Opens at Feil Hall Thanks to Gift from Michael Gunzburg ’87

Brooklyn Law School recently unveiled a new on-site fitness center for students living in Feil Hall, made possible through a generous gift from Michael Gunzburg ’87. The new amenity reflects a shared commitment to student wellness and to enhancing the residential experience at the Law School. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, marked the opening of the new space and offered an early look at the completed facility. Joining Gunzburg were President and Joseph Crea Dean David D. Meyer; Robert Fairfield, Chief Advancement Officer; and Colette Rodgers, Vice President of Operations, along with a small group of Feil Hall residents who attended the event as a sneak peek. 

In his remarks, Dean Meyer emphasized the importance of alignment between a donor’s vision and an institution’s priorities.

"The gold standard for philanthropy is when there’s an alignment between a donor’s vision for what they want to accomplish and the institution’s need for something that would make a meaningful impact," he said. "I would be hard-pressed to imagine a better fit than the gift from Michael Gunzburg that made this new fitness center possible." 

The addition of a fitness center was among the most frequently requested improvements when the Law School surveyed Feil Hall residents approximately one year ago to identify priorities for enhancing the dormitory. Dean Meyer noted that the new facility will significantly improve students’ quality of life and underscores the Law School’s responsiveness to student feedback. 

The fitness center was completed in approximately four months, an unusually fast timeline made possible through close collaboration across the Law School and Gunzburg’s deep personal involvement in the project. Gunzburg worked closely with Law School leadership throughout the planning process, signing off on equipment selections, layout, and design details to ensure the space reflected a clear and thoughtful vision. 

The finished center includes cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and space for functional training, offering Feil Hall residents convenient, on-site access to fitness and wellness resources. 

At the ribbon cutting, Gunzburg reflected on his motivation for the gift.

"It’s my pleasure," he said. "The Law School helped me tremendously. It opened doors and gave me opportunities I never would have had, so I wanted to express my gratitude in a way that would make a tangible difference." 

At the same time the fitness center was under construction, the Law School also completed a full renovation of the adjoining common area, affectionately known by students as "the living room." The refreshed space features comfortable seating, tables for studying or dining, and a ping-pong table, reinforcing its role as a central gathering place for residents. 

While the fitness center was part of early planning conversations, the renovation of the living room came as a pleasant surprise to Gunzburg. Together, the two updated spaces are expected to further strengthen the sense of community within Feil Hall. Dean Meyer noted that he is eager to see how students use the new spaces, which he described as the "heartbeat" of residential life. 

Law School leadership anticipates that these improvements will make living in Feil Hall even more appealing and help fill the few currently unoccupied apartments. 

About Feil Hall 

Located in Brooklyn Heights, just three blocks from the Law School’s main building, Feil Hall provides spacious, affordable, and convenient campus living for approximately 365 students across 239 furnished apartments. Unlike most law schools—and especially significant in a competitive housing market—Brooklyn Law School offers guaranteed housing for first-year students. 

Amenities and features include: 

The housing application deadline is April 15. For housing questions, contact the Office of Residence Life at housing@brooklaw.edu.