Angelo State University (ASU) has opened the doors to a new 22,000-square foot recreation and wellness center in the heart of its San Angelo, Texas campus.
The $5.25 million, two-story Center for Human Performance, designed by SmithGroupJJR, opened in fall 2011 and provides students, staff and alumni access to enhanced fitness services and facilities.
Serving a population of more than 7,000 students, the center’s mission is to engage the campus community in recreation and wellness programs while fostering social interaction, sportsmanship, and leadership development.
Sharing space with the university’s Department of Kinesiology, the center was designed to accommodate academic and training activities in addition to athletic and fitness programs. Popular amenities include a 9,000-square foot cardio/weight room and a three-lane indoor track measuring 1/11 mile. Its most prominent features are a 40-foot tall rock climbing wall and 720-square foot bouldering structure. Firsts for the university, these elements have contributed to tripling the center’s utilization rates.
SmithGroupJJR’s designers proposed replacing the facility’s windowless block and brick north façade with a glass curtain wall. Highly utilized activity centers -- including cardio equipment, weight systems and segments of the track -- were organized along the interior perimeter. The configuration now offers increased visibility of the center’s functions and engages pedestrians traveling along the east mall.
A custom-designed 18-foot by 92-foot wall mural system spanning the upper level of the building’s interior south wall also adds visual interest and promotes recreation activities housed within.
The addition was designed in accordance with the university’s master plan, updated in 2007. A palette of variegated brown brick, cast stone highlights, and bronze metal window mullions is consistent with neighboring facilities.
Project upgrades also included life safety systems. Additionally, biometric hand scanners were installed as a security feature, allowing the university to regulate access by user groups and programming schedules.
Construction was funded through student fees. BD+C
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2022
New design guide for hybrid steel-mass timber frames released
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has released the first-ever set of U.S. recommendations for hybrid steel frames with mass timber floors, according to a news release.
Mass Timber | Jun 2, 2022
Brooklyn is home to New York City’s first mass timber condo building
In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope, the newly completed Timber House is New York City’s first mass timber condominium building and its largest mass timber project (by height and square footage).
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2022
HKS, U. of Texas Dallas partner on brain health study
HKS and The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth are conducting a six-month study to improve the way the firm’s employees work, collaborate, and innovate, both individually and as an organization, according to a news release.
Building Team | Jun 1, 2022
Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens to get a $250 million transformation
Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden with about 1,100 acres in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, recently announced plans to transform its core area of conservatory gardens.
Mass Timber | May 31, 2022
Tall mass timber buildings number 139 worldwide
An audit of tall mass timber buildings turned up 139 such structures around the world either complete, under construction, or proposed.
Hotel Facilities | May 31, 2022
Checking out: Tips for converting hotels to housing
Many building owners are considering repositioning their hotels into another property type, such as senior living communities and rental apartments. Here's advice for getting started.
Museums | May 31, 2022
University of Texas at Dallas breaks ground on new 12-acre cultural district
The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) recently broke ground on the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the first phase of a new 12-acre cultural district on campus.
BAS and Security | May 26, 2022
Can your intelligent building outsmart hackers?
ESD's security services studio leader Coleman Wolf offers tips, advice, and lessons for protecting real estate assets from cyberattacks.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 26, 2022
WNBA practice facility will offer training opportunities for female athletes and youth
The Seattle Storm’s Center for Basketball Performance will feature amenities for community youth, including basketball courts, a nutrition center, and strength and conditioning training spaces.
Multifamily Housing | May 25, 2022
9 noteworthy multifamily developments to debut in 2022
A 1980s-era shopping mall turned mixed-use housing and a mid-rise multifamily tower with unusual rowhomes highlight the innovative multifamily developments to debut recently.