
Foster Recreation Center, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri



Foster Recreation Center, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
Foster Recreation Center
Wishing to consolidate recreational opportunities in one facility and satisfy student demand, Missouri State University initially opted to renovate McDonald Arena, a 3,000-seat Art Deco basketball arena constructed in 1939. Although the design concept was extremely well received, outside considerations arose requiring the renovation be abandoned and an entirely new facility developed.
Drawings, models, and renderings were prepared to fully engage the university in a collaborative design. The chosen design skillfully eliminates a pedestrian obstacle at the heart of campus by creating a new external pedestrian pathway that cuts diagonally through the new building, unifying two major campus precincts. The new 98,000 sf building includes 3 new basketball courts (includes a 1 court Multiuse Activity Court -MAC), a fitness center, multi-purpose group exercise rooms, a jogging track, a climbing/bouldering wall, offices, and other amenities. A natatorium houses fitness lap lanes and a leisure pool with direct access to the Wet Multipurpose room. A freestanding outdoor bouldering wall was included adjacent to the new pedestrian plaza.
Client:
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Scope:
100,000 sf New Construction
$22.5 M Construction Cost
2012 Completion
Role:
Voorhees - Sports Programmer, Planner, Technology, Design
Firm:
CannonDesign
Awards / Recognition
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Outstanding Facility Award - National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
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Innovative Architecture & Design Award – Recreation Management
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Honor award – Central States AIA
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Honor award – AIA St. Louis
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Honor award – AIA Springfield, MO
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People’s Choice Award - AIA Springfield, MO
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Innovation Award - AIA Springfield, MO
Photography
Reed I Voorhees, AIA