Imagine Center

Greenville, S.C.
Construction Cost: $5.7 million
Area / Square Feet: 45,000
Occupancy Date: June 2009

Since its founding in 1991, Redemption World Outreach Center has focused on giving back to the community. By 2009, the church had grown to more than 13,000 members, and it was time for a facility that was new and different.

The organization sought to make a statement by pursuing a non-conventional approach to the architecture of the new facility. The Imagine Center was not only going to be a gymnasium and recreation center for the entire community, it was going to be a facility with a design unlike anything else in the area. To make the facility a reality, a tension membrane structure was selected. The exterior shape, size and color pattern were designed to create a “wow” factor that would advertise itself and create a buzz in the community.

A custom-designed stone and glass welcome foyer invites guests into the facility, whereupon they find all the amenities of a world-class recreation and fitness center. A spacious open area with three full-size hardwood basketball courts that are partially illuminated by skylights running along the roof’s peak is at the center of the building. On each end of the gym, full-height glazing separates two stories of support and activity space. On one end is the fitness center, while on the opposite end, the second floor houses a blacklit group cycling room, a women-only weight room, a conference room, offices and a consultation area. Downstairs are locker rooms complete with saunas, showers, hardwood lockers and granite counters, as well as a café. Around the entire perimeter of the gym on the second level is an elevated, 1⁄8-mile running track.