2014 Facilities of Merit: Middlebury College Squash Center

Middlebury College Squash Center | Middlebury, Vt.

There are upgrades, and then there is the Middlebury College Squash Center, which replaces an air-supported structure incapable of hosting tournaments.

Adding four international courts to the old structure’s original five, the new center also includes amenities not offered before — from tiered spectator seating to a coach’s office. The building’s permanence is articulated on the exterior with a board-formed concrete base topped with textured cement fiberboard, and a central skylight illuminates the interior. The squash center connects to a larger athletic complex, extending its spine and serving as a new entrance and lobby.

“Elegant” came to mind for three judges, while a fourth called the project “a true gem.”

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Judges’ Comments

This project takes a straightforward program and maximizes its potential to transform the existing facility and to connect with the site.

— Darryl Condon

 Elegant use of form and material. Very successful approach with restraint and simplicity.

— Stephen Springs

 Fantastic use of controlled daylighting throughout the facility.

— Colleen McKenna

ARCHITECT OF RECORD
ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge | Cambridge, Mass.

Cost: $6.5 million

Square Footage: 17,775

Funded By: Private donations

Major Facility Components: Nine international squash courts, spectator seating, fitness area, coaches office, entry lobby

The 2014 Athletic Business® Facilities of Merit™ awards were selected by a panel of sports and recreation facility architects during two days of judging in Madison, Wis. The 10 winners are being announced during these two weeks, and profiles of all 10 will appear in the November issue ofAthletic Business. The awards will be presented to the facility owners and architects at the Athletic Business Conference & Expo in Orlando on Friday, Nov. 14.

More 2014 Facilities of Merit: 

Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center 

Audley Recreation Centre 

Chinguacousy Sports Park Redevelopment

Cornell Community Centre & Library 

Crisler Center Renovation & Addition -- University of Michigan

David Braley Athletic & Recreation Center -- Mohawk College

France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center -- Purdue University

Holaday Athletic Center -- U.S. Air Force Academy