Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex

Penn State Altoona

CLIENT GOALS

Campus leadership desired to renovate the Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex to enhance the user experience and expand to meet growing demand. As the facility would remain occupied during construction, all construction activity needed to be phased to minimize impact to and provide a safe environment for the users. The site was situated between the floodplain of a stream, campus baseball fields, and the central open park, so placement of an addition needed to be managed very closely.

SOLUTIONS

Working closely with stakeholders we developed space plans that improved adjacencies, promoted social interaction, and enriched student life. The expansion was dominated by two additions: a classroom and fitness center wing on the east, and a new competitive gymnasium on the west. The placement, orientation, and overall size were all carefully designed to enhance campus circulation and fit nicely into both the natural wooded site and groomed ballfields.

RESULTS

By increasing transparency, situating soft seating in strategic locations, and taking advantage of sightlines, the updated facility exhibits a very vibrant atmosphere. The Complex serves as the featured hub for student activity, housing 16 intercollegiate varsity athletic programs, offices for athletic department staff and coaches, the Kinesiology Department, support for intramural and recreation programs, and offices for ROTC. The competitive gymnasium has been well-received by the campus and has been touted as a recruiting tool for the Athletics Department. The existing gymnasium now functions as an auxiliary gymnasium reducing the facility’s demand stress.

“The new building will support the whole campus community. It’ll provide more recreation and better facilities for the students and student-athletes. It’ll be a good recruiting tool to help enrollment and the success of our athletic teams. It ties together our philosophy of athletics, academics, wellness and recreation all in one facility.”

Brent Baird
Athletic Director

Penn State Altoona