Markin Family Student Recreation Center is the first of four new buildings that will anchor Bradley University’s western expansion. The recreation center sits directly across Glenwood Avenue from the historic 1897 Westlake Hall College of Education. While it was not possible to construct the facility using cut limestone in the fashion of Westlake Hall, the exterior of the building was designed with a highly articulated architectural precast concrete design that blends with the color and articulation of the older structure, yet is done in a contemporary context.
The three-story recreation center is linked by an open stair that provides a common visual link to all floors of the building. This openness is also carried through in the design of the climbing wall, which starts on the lowest level of the facility and rises 48 feet. The building contains a suspended 1⁄8-mile jogging track that encircles three basketball courts and one multipurpose court, and there is an additional performance court for intramurals championships as well as occasional practices for the university’s women’s volleyball team. The natatorium contains a floor-to-ceiling, point-supported structural glass wall with arched steel supports that recalls some of the gothic architecture on campus. The interior finishes of the building reflect high quality and durability, with terrazzo floors in all public areas, a ceramic tile pool enclosure, wood floors in all of the courts and a glass dasher board system surrounding the multipurpose athletic court.
As this facility will anchor the expansion of the campus and the creation of a new Alumni Quad, an outdoor terrace has been provided directly adjacent to the exercise area, providing students a space for outdoor socializing when weather permits.
Cassie Campbell Community Centre
