Texas State University Student Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation
San Marcos, Texas
Square Feet: 94,000 (new); 98,000 (renovation)
Construction Cost: $24.8 million
Project Type: College/University Facilities
Year in Showcase: 2010
Project Description
Designers of the expansion to and renovation of the Texas State University Student Recreation Center were forced to deal with a very tight expansion site (a parking lot) and a street grid that could not be altered. These challenges were overcome by centering the addition on a new street entrance and running building circulation in a north/south direction, while utilizing a lounge along that long axis to maximize visibility to existing and new activity spaces. A climbing wall at the entrance provides visual impact.
Pools are located down the hill over a natural limestone bedrock to reduce pier costs and allow the pool to be at the first-floor level. The fitness areas are centered on the entrance and control desk for maximum visibility, with cardiovascular areas elevated and surrounding the strength areas.
Large clerestory windows at the lobby and gymnasium provide ample daylighting, while abundant windows in the natatorium allow for natural light to permeate the space, as well as provide views to the soccer field. The lobby interior blends the classical forms of the exterior design surrounding the organic forms of limestone and climbing wall (earth) and ceiling cloud (sky). Finishes, graphics and signage incorporate the school colors of maroon and gold, while lighting, flooring and details incorporate repeating “gridiron” lines.
The exterior design presented a dual challenge. It was the first building on campus to be designed under new campus master plan guidelines for Spanish Colonial architecture, while the expansion needed to integrate with the very horizontal, early 90’s existing structure. The solution established a new colonnade around the expansion that was carried across the elevation of the existing building.
Project Details
Architect of Record: Marmon Mok LLP; San Antonio, Texas
Occupancy: December 2008
Aquatic Design Engineer: Counsilman-Hunsaker; St. Louis, Mo.
Programming Consultant: SportsPlan Studio; Kansas City, Mo.
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs: Spectrum Aquatics
Basketball:
Connor Sports Flooring
Basketball Backboards/Supports:
Porter Athletic Inc.
Cardiovascular Equipment: Precor Incorporated
Chemical Control Systems: Pulsar 3/ Arch Water Products
Cleaners/Vacuums: National Line
Climbing Walls:
Enterprises Climbing Walls
Divider Curtains:
Porter Athletic Inc.
Dryers: Huebsch
Filtration Systems: National Line
Flooring: American Olean
Flooring, Aerobics:
Connor Sports Flooring
Flooring, Fitness Center:
Mondo
Free-Weight Equipment:
Iron Grip Barbell Co.
Gutters: Tnemec
Ladders/Grab Bars: Spectrum Aquatics
Lane Markers:
Antiwave Pool Products
Lockers: Comtech
Scoreboard/Timing Systems: Competitor Swim Products
Scoreboards/Timing Systems:
Fair-Play Scoreboards
Shower/Toilet Partitions: American Sanitary Partition Corp.
Starting Blocks: Spectrum Aquatics
Strength Equipment: Life Fitness
Swimsuit Extractors: Suitmate
Volleyball:
Connor Sports Flooring
Volleyball Nets and Standards:
Sports Imports (Senoh)
Wall Padding:
Porter Athletic Inc.
Washers: Huebsch
Water Play Features: Spectrum Aquatics (Water Volleyball & Deck-Mounted
