Penn State Altoona Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex

Altoona, PA
Construction Cost: $16 million
Area / Square Feet: 82,000 SF (47,750 SF new; 34,250 SF renovation)
Occupancy Date: August 2018

The Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex renovation accommodates Penn State Altoona’s growing athletics, recreation and wellness programs. Originally opened in 1972, the Adler Complex is known as the featured hub for student activity, and is home to 16 intercollegiate varsity athletics programs. It provides offices for athletic department staff and coaches, houses the newly created kinesiology department, supports intramural and recreation programs, and provides offices for ROTC.

The design team began with a comprehen­­-sive program analysis to improve adjacencies, promoting social interaction and enriching student life. Two additions feature a classroom and fitness center wing to the east and the new competitive gymnasium to the west. The placement, orientation and overall size of spaces were carefully designed to enhance campus circulation and fit nicely within the natural wooded site to the south and east, as well as the varsity ballfields to the west. A deliberate phasing plan was devised to accommodate the occupation of the building and assure that the new gymnasium would be ready for the Fall 2017 intercollegiate schedule.

By increasing transparency, situating soft seating in strategic locations and taking advantage of sightlines, the new facility exhibits a vibrant atmosphere. The competitive gymnasium has been well-received by the campus and has been touted as a recruiting tool for the athletic department. The former competition gymnasium now functions as an auxiliary gymnasium for recreation and intramurals, reducing the facility’s demand stress.