One of the things I love about this job is seeing how the innovators in our industry — from architects to facility operators — re-envision a space. In some instances that means tearing down the old and building new, but in many situations the best parts of an existing structure can be preserved, and ultimately given a new face and future.
In this month's issue, senior editor Paul Steinbach looks at how new life has been breathed into Breese Stevens Field, a historic stadium that sits on the near east side here in Madison (page 38). Years ago, I watched from the stands as my high school girlfriend played goalie in the state soccer semifinals there. Interestingly, that was the only time over the course of decades that I ever set foot in that facility.
One of the things I love about this job is seeing how the innovators in our industry — from architects to facility operators — re-envision a space. In some instances that means tearing down the old and building new, but in many situations the best parts of an existing structure can be preserved, and ultimately given a new face and future.
In this month's issue, senior editor Paul Steinbach looks at how new life has been breathed into Breese Stevens Field, a historic stadium that sits on the near east side here in Madison (page 38). Years ago, I watched from the stands as my high school girlfriend played goalie in the state soccer semifinals there. Interestingly, that was the only time over the course of decades that I ever set foot in that facility.
Today, I live within blocks of the old stadium, and it has become a central gathering place for our neighborhood and community, as well as the new home to a professional soccer club. My son watches his high school's football team play there, and our family has attended a number of concerts at the venue in recent years. As our coverage explains, some thoughtful planning, the addition of new amenities, and the conversion of the facility's grass field to synthetic turf are at the heart of the stadium's revitalization. It's still the same place, on the same busy boulevard on the east side, but also so much more, and all thanks to a little vision and collaboration from professionals in our industry.
It's exactly the kind of project that will be on full display in our next issue of AB. As always, the 32nd Annual Architectural Showcase will feature a collection of remarkable athletics, fitness and recreation facilities — some brand new, and others, like Breese Stevens, that have been improved and reshaped with an eye toward preservation and revitalization.
This article originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of Athletic Business with the title "Letter from the Editor: In with the new ." Athletic Business is a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry. Click here to subscribe.
