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A 55,749 sf
state-of-the-art recreational and fitness facility for the
Niles-Buchanan Family YMCA. The new facility is located near
downtown Niles, Michigan, along the scenic St. Joseph River. It
features a 5,000 sf Fitness Center, high school-sized gymnasium,
elevated Running Track (9 laps/mile) a Natatorium with 6-lane 25
yard competition pool and a warm water therapy/instructional
pool; an Aerobics/Dance Studio; Locker Rooms; Family Changing
Rooms; Drop-In Childcare; Preschool rooms; Multi-Purpose Meeting
rooms and Administrative Offices. Lakeland Regional Health
occupies 5,000 sf of dedicated space within the facility.
The image of
the building recalls the rich, historic past of the city and the
importance of the city’s train and rail industry with a
contemporary adaptation of a turn-of-the-century train station.
A large
arched window mimics the form of an adjacent stone railroad
bridge while providing dynamic views of the St. Joseph River
from the fitness center and elevated track. Materials and colors
used were selected to blend into the downtown landscape. The
main venues are open to the circulation concourse, exposing the
daily activity to all entering its doors. A large, hand-painted
mural by a local artist was salvaged from the old facility and
incorporated into the main lobby décor. Light fixtures were
chosen to enhance the image of an outdoor café, further
emphasizing a streetscape feel within the building circulation
spine.
Discussions
with Lakeland Regional Health transformed the project into a
joint use wellness facility incorporating space for outpatient
physical therapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy, aquatic
therapy and sports medicine. Both the YMCA and Wellness Center
staff share the Therapeutic and Olympic-sized pools, as well as
running track and fitness center. Patients make a natural
transition from rehab to active YMCA members. |
