Sutcliffe Hall Renovation and Expansion Centre College

Danville, KY
Construction Cost: $10.2 million
Area / Square Feet: 68,170 (new), 23,600 (renovated)
Occupancy Date: April 2005

Originally constructed in 1915, Sutcliffe Hall had by the turn of the new century two gyms, a ballroom, intercollegiate locker rooms and four racquetball courts. Workshop interviews with stakeholders revealed a need to upgrade Sutcliffe’s overall appearance and expand recreation program areas.

Bringing the 1915 portion of Sutcliffe Hall up to modern standards was not an effective use of development funds. Master-plan improvements proposed replacing this structure with a threelevel building while renovating the existing performance gym and varsity lockers to reduce construction costs.

The renovation and expansion resulted in a modern, 122,000-squarefoot fitness, recreation and athletic facility. The new construction forms a seamless connection with existing building elements. The masonry facade, limestone band and hip roof of the Sutcliffe facade mimic the improvements to the Crounse Academic Building, which is next to the Sutcliffe complex. Both Sutcliffe andCrounse reflect the historical character of the adjacent Carnegie Hall (the original library, built in 1913) and Old Centre (built in 1820), the oldest building on campus.

The significant entry, two-story windows and redefined pedestrian approach convey a sense of arrival for the new Sutcliffe complex. Once inside, visitors traverse a concourse with open views into a new three-court recreational gym, fitness areas, an aerobics studio and a lounge. A grand stair leading to the performance gym features murals depicting Centre’s rich athletic history. Additional improvements include performance gymnasium seating and finishes, physical education offices, new and renovated locker rooms, two additional racquetball courts, relocated health-services offices and classroom facilities.