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Activity and Recreation Center (ARC)

The ARC (Activity and Recreation Center) is the first community sports and recreation center built for the citizens of Columbia, Missouri. The exterior of the building draws from elements and materials found throughout the City.  The use of brick and stone on the building facade is a symbolic gesture to materials, which exemplify Columbia’s historic downtown business corridor.  Round columns flanking the exterior of the natatorium hearken back to the iconic symbols so well know in the City.  While drawing from the familiar, this building was designed to bridge the historic nature of the City with the timelessness of this new state of the art community recreation center.  The north elevation is largely glass, not only taking advantage of the gentle northern light, but also softening the building as seen from West Middle School, just north of the site.  The entry into the building is detailed to a pedestrian scale, while the south facade reflects the scale of the commercial property along Ash.  The glass-enclosed natatorium, oriented toward the intersection of Clinkscales Road and Ash Street is a signature element of the facility, presenting the dynamic activity from within.

 

The openness of the interior allows a synergy throughout, as multiple activities can be viewed at any one time.  The building is flooded throughout with controlled natural lighting, creating an environment that is bright and uplifting.  While the focus of the lobby is into the large natatorium, a large sculpture designed by renowned artist Norman Courtney of Seattle, Washington, hangs over the center of the lobby.  The sculpture was commissioned by the City under its “Percent for Art” requirement.  The control desk is strategically located to greet visitors as they enter the building and afford views of the facility to staff for easy monitoring of key areas.

 

One of the highlights of the ARC is the walking/jogging track, which affords continual interest as it makes its way around the entire upper level of the facility.  This 6-½ lap/mile track ties the entire facility together as it winds through the gymnasium and fitness area, across the lobby and around the outside wall of the natatorium.  Other unique elements to the ARC include the youth fitness weight training area, multipurpose classrooms and an upper level outdoor fitness area. 

 

Materials were chosen for durability and lightness to accentuate the open, bright atmosphere found throughout the complex.

 

 

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Client:

City of Columbia, MO

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Scope:

73,000 sf 

$10.98 M Construction Cost

2002 Completion

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Role:

Voorhees - Feasibility Study, Project Designer (Site and Building Design)

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Firm:

Jacobs​

Ballard*King - Operations Consultant

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Awards / Recognition

  • Innovative Architecture & Design Award – Recreation Management

  • ADA Sports and Recreation Award - Columbia Community ADA Coalition and the Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability

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Photography

Reed I Voorhees, AIA

 

I look forward to speaking with you

GET IN TOUCH:

CONTACT US:

RIV DESIGN

Reed Ittner Voorhees, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

RIV Design, LLC

20 Clif Side Drive

St. Louis, Missouri  63122

Office: 314.479.0689

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Copyright © 2020

Where indicated, projects within this site highlight previous work performed by Mr. Voorhees while working for another company

Mobile: 314.803.0922

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