New Projects: Florida Gulf Coast Rec | Johns Hopkins University and More

Breaking Ground

Johns Hopkins University recently broke ground on a renovation and expansion of the Ralph S. O'Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being (image above). The project, on which firms MJMA and GWWO collaborated, will double the strength and cardio space of the existing facility and renovate 15,000 square feet of space, while expanding the facility by an additional 15,000 square feet.

Kansas State University broke ground on its South Endzone project at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The $52 million project will include new premium seating areas, an expanded event space and upgraded restroom and concessions facilities, as well as expand the concourse by nearly 4,500 square feet. The project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2021 football season.

Colorado College held a groundbreaking ceremony in February for its on-campus hockey arena. Ed Robson Arena is slated for a fall 2021 opening. The 3,400-seat, 129,435-square-foot arena will host the school's hockey program, and be a site for sports tournaments, camps, club events and more during the offseason.

The University of Illinois announced that after receiving a $3 million gift it will break ground on the Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center. The $6 million project will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the school's softball program, with approximately 13,000 square feet of space. The center will have a full infield, cages for hitting and pitching, a new recruiting lobby and an expanded player lounge. The project is expected to break ground in late 2020 and be completed by December 2021.

First Pitch

San José State University recently received a $1 million donation to support its Spartan Athletics Center. Set to complete construction in 2023, the facility will host the school's men's and women's soccer programs and offer amenities such as new team locker rooms, a 150-seat auditorium, coaches' offices, classrooms, game day suites and a state-of-the-art athletic training room available to all student-athletes.

In January, Iowa State University announced that it had received $10 million in gift commitments to fund the construction of the Pedestrian Gateway that was introduced as part of the school's plan to build a multi-use entertainment and arts district. The bridge will help create a new campus entryway and provide a catalyst for future development, including additional game day parking for football events. 

Muscatine (Iowa) High School recently kicked off its "We Are One" fundraising campaign to support renovations to the school's football stadium. The estimated cost is $2.5 million, of which a reported $1.2 million will be allocated for a new synthetic turf field to replace the existing grass surface. The project will also include upgrades to bleachers, the press box and the facility's entrance, as well as a new concessions area.

Grand Openings

[Photo by Halkin/Mason Photography LLC, courtesy EwingCole]

The University of Pennsylvania recently celebrated the grand opening of its Penn Squash Center. The upgraded project by architecture firm EwingCole features two central glass exhibition courts, a polished wood seating structure, digital scoring systems and updated lighting and finishes throughout. A second-level mezzanine provides spectators with a full view of each of the 12 courts below.

[Photo by Chelsea Putman, St. Edwards University]

St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, had a grand opening for its renovated and expanded Recreation and Athletic Center. The 12,400-square-foot expansion added a new fitness studio, a strength and conditioning area and a wellness center. The fitness studio, designed as a glass cube, floats above the building's entry plaza. In addition, the facility is home to a 5,700-square-foot fitness space with state-of-the-art equipment, a racquetball court, a multipurpose gymnasium and locker rooms.

{Photo courtesy Florida Gulf Coast University}

Florida Gulf Coast University recently celebrated the grand opening of its University Recreation Center. The new 46,000-square-foot, $18 million facility, designed by architecture firms Harvard Jolly and Hastings+Chivetta, is sited near wetlands and uses natural llight throughout to provide a feeling of connection to the outdoors. The facility features two basketball courts, a 7,400-square-foot strength and conditioning area, a 3,000-square-foot cardio deck, and a multipurpose studio.

Clemson University recently cut the ribbon for its new softball stadium. Home to the Tigers' newly created varsity program, the stadium features 1,000 chairback seats and a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with such amenities as a team lounge, a locker room, a sports medicine room and coaches' offices.

This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of Athletic Business with the title "Forward Progress." Athletic Business is a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry. Click here to subscribe.