Texas A&M University opened its original 288,000-square-foot recreational sports facility more than 20 years ago, when it was recognized as one of the largest student recreation buildings in the country. Amid surging enrollment growth, the university retained the same firm to renovate the facility and design a major 116,000-square-foot expansion.
Expressed goals for the updated facility were to increase student recruitment, retention and wellness. New program areas include a double basketball court/soccer gymnasium, upgraded locker rooms, an expanded weight room, an eight-lane lap pool, a multipurpose group exercise room and office space.
Located on a tight site in the heart of the athletics venue complex, within a busy area of campus, the existing facility is immediately adjacent to a railroad track, Blue Bell Baseball Stadium and a major parking garage. The new south balconies overlooking the baseball outfield have become the new “Aggie Alley” on baseball game days. The canopy over the second-story terrace, designed over the weight room expansion, has become a signature element to the design and a premier tailgate location. The 10,000-square-foot terrace is complete with shade structures, planters, an outdoor kitchen and a commanding view of Kyle Field.
Site design also included a defined pedestrian and bicycle path connection from the Rec Center to a main campus pedestrian path, linking west campus to main campus. With the additional south entrance, expansion and renovation, the facility has seen a 23 percent increase in recorded visits.
Apex Centre
