College life is demanding, and when it’s time to play, students want to make the most of it. The 101,400 square foot SRWC was the first new building on the campus in 35 years, and has a unique shape that provides a welcoming entrance from all angles, eliminating a “back door”. The facility was designed to be a beacon of student activity on the campus, the Fox River, and the University’s southwest entry. It was also intended to attract potential students to the campus, as well as encourage a lifetime of health for alumni.

The SRWC provides: basketball courts, an indoor jogging / walking track, indoor soccer, a climbing wall, golf simulators, wellness programs, volleyball courts, two strength training areas, cardio equipment, outdoor recreation equipment, aerobic studios, babysitting suite, cyber cafe with wireless internet, and an outdoor patio facing the Fox River.

Potter Lawson, in association with Cannon Design, specified a variety of sustainable materials for Silver LEED Certification requirements to meet the energy efficiency and sustainable design criteria, which drove many design decisions. Specifically, a heat recovery wheel captures energy from air that is exhausted from locker rooms, toilet rooms, showers, and janitor closets. Day light tracking sensors and photo cells modulate dimmable fluorescent fixtures to take advantage of day lighting. Oversized windows are another feature that allows occupants to have views of the Fox River, as well as maximize the use of day lighting throughout the facility.