
Recreation and Wellness Center, University of Missouri St. Louis



Recreation and Wellness Center, University of Missouri St. Louis
Recreation and Wellness Center
With campus recreation offerings falling far below student expectations, the student body at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) passed a referendum in resounding support of a new recreation center. The University envisioned a transformational project that would unify campus green space and pedestrian pathways, while also providing a dynamic new architecture as a guide for future buildings signifying a bold new vision towards the future.
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Built on an existing parking lot, the Recreation and Wellness Center has transformed the site into an extension of the greenway running through campus. With campus parking garages at a higher elevation to the east and the campus core to the west, the building is a connector for students traversing the steep grade between parking and the campus greenway. Building elements are organized to maximize light, views, and to display the activity within to the surrounding campus. The new facility also abuts a region bicycle trail, offering ample bicycle parking for students and staff.
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The 101,000 sf facility includes a three-court gymnasium (including a one-court MAC), an indoor fitness/recreational pool, expansive weight fitness areas and four group exercise studios and Wellness Suite. An innovative 3 lane jogging track provides an optional 2 lane extension allowing greater length and elevation changes for those seeking a more challenging workout. Other amenities include a juice bar, bouldering wall, wet multipurpose room, two saunas, administration offices and outdoor terraces.
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Client:
University of Missouri St. Louis
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Scope:
102,000 sf New Construction
$27.5 M Construction Cost
2015 Completion
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Role:
Voorhees - Sports Programming, Planning, Design, Sports Technology
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Firm:
CannonDesign
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Awards / Recognition
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Outstanding Sports Facility - National Intramural Recreational Sports Association
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Merit Award for Design - AIA St. Louis
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Photography
Reed I Voorhees, AIA