University of Dayton RecPlex

Dayton, OH
Construction Cost: $20.42 million
Area / Square Feet: 129,795
Occupancy Date: January 2006

The University of Dayton?s new recreation complex replaces a nearly 30-year-old, 5,000-square-foot physical activities center. Among the RecPlex?s amenities are a four-court gymnasium with a 1?8-mile suspended track, a two-court multipurpose gym with dasher boards, three large group fitness studios, three racquet sports courts, a juice bar, multimedia-equipped classrooms, offices, a 30-foot climbing wall and a 10,000-square-foot fitness center.

The indoor aquatic center features an eight-lane, NCAA-sanctioned competition pool, a diving well, a vortex leisure pool, a large spa and a wet classroom. The complex boasts three distinct entrances. Perched above an inverted rotunda and mezzanine, a clock feature welcomes patrons through the main entry located on the facility?s east side.

A courtyard entry on the north side is convenient for students living in nearby residence halls. A third entrance off the parking lot offers access to community members.

An east-west mezzanine ramp and concourse divides the three-story RecPlex, allowing patrons to walk through the facility without entering activity areas. Windows along the concourse allow views into major components such as the leisure pool, gymnasium, track and fitness center. The extensive use of glass also permits natural light to penetrate deep into the building. Dayton?s colors of red and blue are prominently used throughout the interior.