ODU Student Recreation & Wellness Center

The Old Dominion University Recreation Center project involved the demolition of most of an existing field house and the creation of the 121,000 square foot state-of-the-art recreation facility built around the existing 31,000 square foot natatorium, which was renovated in phases.

Along with the existing natatorium and locker rooms, the facility contains a two-story climbing wall near the main entrance, with skylights providing natural illumination for climbers. An elevated jogging track passes by a three-court open gymnasium and a multipurpose activity court. Other amenities include a 15,000-square-foot fitness center, a juice bar, high-ceilinged group exercise studios, a three-tiered group cycling studio, three racquetball courts, indoor hockey and soccer fields, dance studios, cardiovascular training rooms, lounge areas, classrooms, office space and conference rooms.

The Student Recreation Center also includes a Movement Exercise Laboratory, Motion Analysis Laboratory, Applied Anatomy Laboratory, Human Performance Laboratory, Clinical Outcomes Research Laboratory, Motor Behavior Laboratory and a Therapeutic Recreation Laboratory.

Plan efficiency was achieved with a central “main street” — highlighted by interspersed skylights — that connects and unifies the facility’s major activity spaces. A number of large interior windows and open spaces allow activities to be visible to pedestrians outside. The “main street” also includes built-in wood benches along the perimeter for socializing and downtime. A large, curved glass-wall facade ties the facility to a nearby convocation center while making activity areas visible to students outside.

The construction consists of masonry veneer, steel stud backup with a steel superstructure. All site work and site utility work including utility connections as required are included.

The existing structure required light fixture replacements and mechanical system rehabilitation. Updated fire codes required changes to be phased into the new operational systems including new fire alarms, smoke detectors and heat sensors.