Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports Renovation and Expansion - Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Year in Showcase: 2008
Project Description
The new Dedman Center is a
stunning contrast to the original.
From the brick and cast-stone entrance
rotunda, to the sunlit heart of the
building, the center is open, airy and
easy to navigate. The building invites
participation with dramatic views and
well connected interior spaces.
Providing natural light to the
dungeon-like existing building was
an important design goal. Punching
windows into the old building opened
up the interior while providing
aesthetic symmetry to the exterior.
The 15,000-square-foot fitness center’s
cherry-lined ceiling clouds reflect
light, resulting in a bright, open space.
Granite floors, cherry-wood columns,
and plaster wall surfacing (in lieu of
natural limestone) create an earthy,
warm and classical environment. The
central stairway provides a grand entry
with direct access to all program areas.
The five-lane indoor recreational pool
can be seen from the lobby, and a 40-
foot climbing wall, framed by cherry
columns and four indoor court spaces
(including a MAC and soccer area),
serves as the building’s centerpiece.
The gymnasia are surrounded by an
indoor jogging track, expanded from its
original tight radius configuration.
Incorporating the university’s classic
Georgian architecture, the recreation
center’s domed copper-clad rotunda
mimics several building shapes on
campus. The open-air entry rotunda has
a strong visual connection to an outdoor
shallow-water pool with 7-foot waterfalls,
as well as to sand volleyball courts,
emphasizing the Dedman Center’s stature
as a dynamic social gathering place.
Project Details
Architect of Record: Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford; Ft. Worth, Texas
Associated Firm: RDG Planning & Design
Des Moines, Iowa
Aquatic Design Engineer: CT Brannon Corporation
Tyler, Texas
Construction Cost: $24.1 million
Square Feet: 65,000 (new), 80,000 (renovation)
Occupancy: May 2006
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs:
Spectrum Aquatics
Basketball Backboards/Supports:
Draper Inc.
Climbing Walls:
Entre Prises Climbing Walls
Dashers: Becker Arena Products Inc.
Dehumidifiers: Harmsco Inc.
Divider Curtains:
Draper Inc.
Elliptical Equipment: Cybex International Inc.
Elliptical Equipment:
Life Fitness
Elliptical Equipment: Precor Incorporated
Filters:
Nemato Corp.
Flooring, Aerobics:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Free Weight Equipment: Cybex International Inc.
Free Weight Equipment: Hammer Strength
Free Weight Equipment: Power Lift
Free Weight Equipment: Quantum Fitness Corp.
Gutters: Superior Swim Systems Inc.
Heaters: Dectron Inc.
Rowers:
Concept2 Inc.
Scoreboards/Timing Systems:
Fair-Play Scoreboards
Skylights:
Structures Unlimited Inc.
Sound Systems: Community Professional Loudspeakers
Stair Climbers: Stairmaster Health & Fitness Products Inc.
Stationary Bikes:
Life Fitness
Strength Equipment: Cybex International Inc.
Strength Equipment: Freemotion Fitness
Strength Equipment:
Life Fitness
Strength Equipment: Quantum Fitness Corp.
Surface:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Basketball:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Multipurpose:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Track:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Swimsuit Dryer:
Extractor Corp.
Treadmills: Nordictrack
Treadmills:
Star Trac
Volleyball Nets and Standards:
Sports Imports Inc. (Senoh)
