(In association with TMP Associates, Inc., of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)
Download printable project sheet, 482KB, 2 pages.Sherlock, Smith & Adams, in association with TMP Associates, was selected by the University of Alabama to provide complete architectural and engineering services for the expansion and renovation of recreational facilities at the University. The existing Student Recreation Center (SRC) is approximately 110,000 gross square feet. Notable existing spaces include a 5,000-square-foot weight and fitness room, two multipurpose rooms, twelve racquetball courts, two squash courts, a one-eighth-mile suspended jogging track, locker rooms with dry and steam saunas, a lap pool and outdoor deck, and five basketball courts.
When first built, the University of Alabama SRC was recognized nationally as one of the premier recreational facilities in the country. Based on rapid growth in recreation, the current facility no longer meets contemporary recreation standards. In an effort to remain competitive within student recreation facilities (and, in turn, student recruitment), the University began an extensive master planning process. Implementation of this process commenced in late 1999, with the addition of new flooring in the gymnasium and weight room.
The SRC will expand to the south with an addition of approximately 70,000 gsf. The addition will include a three-court Student Activity Center (SAC) with a stage and seating for approximately 2,000-3,000. The center will be used for university events, small conferences, speaker series, and recreation and athletic events. The Center will include appropriate support spaces such as a concession stand, lockers and a hospitality room. The new Center will also include a two-court Multipurpose Activity Court (MAC) to be used for indoor soccer and floor hockey. Both the MAC and the SAC will have separate entrances to allow those facilities to be managed separately from the balance of the SRC during events. The Center will also include a 16,000-square-foot weight and fitness center to replace the existing weight room. Another significant objective of the Recreation Facilities Master Plan is to update the appearance of the existing facility and to ensure the design aesthetically and fundamentally integrates the renovated space with the newly constructed areas.
The renovation also includes a resurfaced jogging track and a new climbing wall and outdoor storage component. Additionally, students will be provided an expanded passive recreation area, an expanded and enhanced lobby, an expanded physical therapy/athletic training room, renovated locker rooms, new outdoor pool and sun deck, new outdoor tennis courts and an expanded retail component including juice bar and lounge areas. Additional improvements will include relocation of the University Recreation Administration offices and Human Performance Studies offices, labs and classrooms.