Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center

Mount Vernon, IA
Construction Cost: 7000000.00
Area / Square Feet: 33380
Occupancy Date: February 2020

The multipurpose Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center serves as a formal and informal gathering space for community groups and residents in a small Midwestern town.

The design takes advantage of the site by nestling the gymnasium into the raised topography along the south to create a protected courtyard at the east and an entry plaza to the north. These exterior spaces complement the flexibility of the interior spaces and maintain the potential for a future pool expansion to the west.

Three materials define the building’s exterior palette: precast concrete, glass and brick. Concrete and brick define the solid mass and are strategically cut away at locations that frame visual connections to the exterior. Corner windows reveal activity within and allow translucent volumes to float.

The cross-axial entry is bracketed by a feature wall and stair that connects the two levels of the circulation spine. This spine provides space for a climbing wall, gaming zones, and strength and cardio areas at the upper level. It also accommodates casual seating that complements the adjacent community room and courtyard. Two courts and a multipurpose space can be used for concurrent practices or combined into one space for tournaments. An upper-level track encircles the gym with direct access to the fitness area.