February 2012 marked the highly-anticipated Grand Opening of the newly refurbished student recreation center, State Gym. This expansion and renovation provides the campus with a comprehensive west-campus-based recreational facility which compliments the choice of recreational activities currently available at the Lied Recreation and Athletic Complex on the east side of the campus. The renovation project also links Beyer Hall with the expanded State Gym providing additional facilities and increased activity choices without the need to build all new facilities. In addition, this linkage and reuse of the State Gym provides a positive identity and gives new life to the historical campus icon that State Gym represents.
The new facility features a 5,000 sq. ft., 190,000-gallon recreational pool designed by Counsilman-Hunsaker. The pool is complete with a three-meter diving platform, three lap lanes, vortex, and is capable of hosting a number of water sports, including water basketball and water polo. The aquatic center also features a 24 person whirlpool spa which is great for viewing dive-in movies on the 9 ft. by 16 ft. video board.
This new facility was designed to meet the certification standards of LEED Gold. Sustainable features include: recycled and refurbished materials such as carpeting, ceiling tiles, counters and soundproofing were made from recycled materials. The gym floor from the old State Gym was refurbished and used in the woodwork within the building. The roof was designed to minimize heat gain and to collect rainwater runoff that can be used again for flushing the toilets.
Design Awards and Publications:
Design Awards and Publications:
2013 – ‘Facilities of Merit’ Award Athletic Business magazine
2013 – ‘Outstanding Sports Facilities’ Award National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
2013 – ‘Innovative Architecture & Design’ Award Recreation Management magazine
