State Gym Renovation and Addition - Iowa State University

A successful fee referendum in 2007 set in motion a plan to expand and improve recreation facilities at Iowa State University, specifically by creating additional opportunities on the western edge of campus. The existing State Gym, built in 1913, was at the center of the project. The gym’s basketball court was salvaged from demolition, the wood planks refinished and repurposed as millwork in the new addition.

Responding to the campus building context, materials used for the expansion and renovation include red brick masonry, limestone, transparent and translucent glazing, prefinished metal panels and concrete surfaces.

Creating a link between State Gym and Beyer Hall, separated by a major university street, became both a design and staffing challenge. For multiple reasons, it was not possible to provide one single control point for entry to the new complex. Through careful planning, however, only two are now required, and both controlled entrances provide access to the entire recreation and wellness complex. The openness of the design intentionally provides for some self-policing of spaces, reducing the time required for recreation staff members to make their rounds.

Judge's Comments

Exceptional scale, rhythm and simple use of materials equates to a strong edge at Sheldon Avenue.
— Burke Cartwright

This facility has wonderful visual connections between activity spaces. The restoration of the existing State Gym is beautiful.
— Lindsey Peckinpaugh

Interior layout of program spaces offers multiple views of several activity areas from all vantage points in the building.
— David Dymecki