Robert Taylor Community Complex
Sarasota, Fla.
Year in Showcase: 2012
Project Description
This renovation project took a pre-World War II facility that had been subdivided over time and tore down barriers to create an open, flexible, light-infused facility. Beyond the dynamic curb appeal and the first impression, the building was designed to be a social center serving various needs of multiple generations. Circulation space replaced corridors, allowing unobstructed visual connectivity. Major components are open to and accessed by a humming central spine that serves as a natural conduit for wayfinding. Locker rooms were strategically placed to serve fitness, athletics and outdoor use, and a large stage in the community room and a smaller stage outdoors share a performance prep area, allowing for both indoor and outdoor performances.
The interior and exterior are visually integrated, with the sleek tropical expression and hue of the architecture finding its way into the light-infused spaces, creating a sense of outdoor experience for users while inside. Modern furnishings and light fixtures, rich accent colors and large-scale floor graphics provide texture and contrast to the tropical color palette.
The soaring gull-wing forms on the exterior are interrupted by expanses of glass that mirror the sky and cue an uplifted vision of redevelopment. A tropical cornucopia of colors is sprinkled across the articulated planes, punctuated by clear aluminum and Gulf Coast blue. An arcade reaches its arm out from the building base to provide protection from the elements for outdoor users. After dark, gleaming displays create a sense of identity and safety.
Project Details
Architect of Record: Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative; Orlando, Fla.
Construction Cost: $10 million
Square Feet: 45,000
Occupancy: September 2011
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs: Paragon Aquatics, Div Of Pentair
Basketball:
Action Floor Systems LLC
Basketball Backboards/Supports: Institutional Products Inc.
Cardiovascular Equipment: Hoist Fitness Systems
Cardiovascular Equipment: Schwinn Fitness Products
Chemical Control Systems: Becs Technology Inc.
Cleaners/Vacuums: Pentair Water Pool And Spa
Cleaners/Vacuums:
Recreonics Inc.
Divider Curtains: Performance Sports Systems
Entertainment Systems: Cardio Theater
Filtration Systems: Nemato Corp.
Flooring: Dal-Tile Corp.
Flooring: Zandur Cork Rubber Flooring
Flooring, Aerobics:
Action Floor Systems LLC
Flooring, Fitness Center: Ecosurfaces
Free-Weight Equipment: Cybex International Inc.
Ladders/Grab Bars: Paragon Aquatics, Div. Of Pentair
Multipurpose: Ecosurfaces
Pre-Engineered Structures: Trident Building Systems Inc.
Sanitization Systems: Stenner & Co. (G.H.)
Shower/Toilet Partitions: Scranton Products
Sports Surfaces: Plexipave Sport Surfacing
Strength Equipment: Hoist Fitness Systems
Track: Dynamic Sports Construction Inc.
Volleyball Nets and Standards: Institutional Products Inc.
Wall Padding: Performance Sports Systems
Water Play Features: Vortex Aquatic Structures Int'l Inc.
