Texas State University Student Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation

San Marcos, Texas
Construction Cost: $24.8 million
Area / Square Feet: 94,000 (new); 98,000 (renovation)
Occupancy Date: December 2008

Designers of the expansion to and renovation of the Texas State University Student Recreation Center were forced to deal with a very tight expansion site (a parking lot) and a street grid that could not be altered. These challenges were overcome by centering the addition on a new street entrance and running building circulation in a north/south direction, while utilizing a lounge along that long axis to maximize visibility to existing and new activity spaces. A climbing wall at the entrance provides visual impact.

Pools are located down the hill over a natural limestone bedrock to reduce pier costs and allow the pool to be at the first-floor level. The fitness areas are centered on the entrance and control desk for maximum visibility, with cardiovascular areas elevated and surrounding the strength areas.

Large clerestory windows at the lobby and gymnasium provide ample daylighting, while abundant windows in the natatorium allow for natural light to permeate the space, as well as provide views to the soccer field. The lobby interior blends the classical forms of the exterior design surrounding the organic forms of limestone and climbing wall (earth) and ceiling cloud (sky). Finishes, graphics and signage incorporate the school colors of maroon and gold, while lighting, flooring and details incorporate repeating “gridiron” lines.

The exterior design presented a dual challenge. It was the first building on campus to be designed under new campus master plan guidelines for Spanish Colonial architecture, while the expansion needed to integrate with the very horizontal, early 90’s existing structure. The solution established a new colonnade around the expansion that was carried across the elevation of the existing building.