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
| Aug 3, 2012
Nonres construction spending to increase through 2012, growth projected for 2013
Commercial and industrial projects poised to lead building sectors.
| Jul 31, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti announces four promotions in Chicago office
Promotions in Thornton Tomasetti office key on industy veterans.
| Jul 25, 2012
EwingCole adds healthcare director to D.C. office
Schultz brings over 25 years of proven experience in planning and designing healthcare, medical research, and government medical facilities.
| Jul 25, 2012
Contract awarded for Gaillard Municipal Auditorium renovations in Charleston, S.C.
Seeking LEED Silver certification, the project will begin in August and is slated for completion in December 2014.
| Jul 24, 2012
Boyer joins Thornton Tomasetti as vice president in New York office
Boyer will support Thornton Tomasetti’s Building Performance and Property Loss Consulting practices in the East U.S. region as well as nationally.
| Jul 24, 2012
Dragon Valley Retail at epicenter of Yongsan International Business District
Masterplanned by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Yongsan IBD encompasses ten city blocks and includes a collection of high-rise residences and commercial buildings.
| Jul 23, 2012
Venturi Scott Brown and Associates Becomes VSBA, LLC
After over fifty years as one of the world’s most renowned architects, Bob Venturi has retired from practice, while Denise Scott Brown continues to publish and present her work.
| Jul 23, 2012
Giants 300 Firm Index 2012
An alphabetical index of the Giants 300 AEC firms and their ranking in specific categories.
| Jul 23, 2012
Haynes Whaley announces leadership transition
Pronier has worked in the construction industry for the past 30 years.
| Jul 23, 2012
Missner Group completes construction of Chicago auto dealership
The Missner Group also incorporated numerous sustainable improvements to the property including the implementation of a vegetative roof, and the utilization of permeable pavers for the parking lot.